Nursing Commons^™

Research Priorities For Nursing And Allied Health: A Priority-Setting Project Using A Partnership Approach, Marina Weckend, Lucy Gent, Erin Godecke, Linda Coventry, Gemma Doleman, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Research priorities guide research activities, funding and resources within health services. To ensure that research efforts are meaningful and impactful, it is vital that organisational research agendas reflect the priorities of both healthcare consumers and staff, alongside broader national and international research frameworks. This paper outlines a research priority-setting project conducted across two hospitals in Western Australia, aimed at identifying shared research priorities through a collaborative and inclusive approach. Aim: To identify the top ten nursing and allied health research priorities for two hospitals in Western Australia. Methods: A modified James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership approach was used, …

Nursing Leadership And Pandemic Preparedness Via Game-Based Learning Simulation: A Narrative Review (Registered Nurses And Undergraduate Nursing Students), Scott James Andrews, Olivia Gallagher, Alecka Miles, Carol Crevacore, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Early progression of newly registered nurses into leadership roles is commonplace in clinical settings. Nurses and student nurses can prepare for leadership by gaining exposure through simulation-based learning. A novel and expanding modality are game-based learning (GBL) simulation. Nurse leaders play a crucial role during pandemics, guiding their teams through crises and ensuring effective response strategies. Reviewing the literature to identify the content, structure, and effectiveness of current pandemic preparedness and GBL simulation in nursing education is necessary to identify lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic response to guide workforce preparation for future surge planning. Aim: The aim of …

Becoming A Nurse: A Lifelong Journey Beyond The Transition To Professional Practice-An Analytical Discursive Paper, Seung A. Park, Eckert, Rebecca Sharp, Judy Duchscher, Micah D.J. Peters

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To reconceptualise becoming a nurse as a lifelong developmental journey that extends beyond the traditional focus on new graduate transition, and to inform policies and practices supporting recruitment, retention and career sustainability. Background: The global nursing shortage persists, exacerbated by high attrition rates among new graduates and an aging workforce. While existing literature predominantly examines the transition from student to professional practice, we propose that ‘becoming a nurse’ begins earlier and extends beyond clinical roles into retirement. Design: An analytical discursive paper. Data Sources: Key theoretical frameworks (Schlossberg's Transition Model, Kennedy's Integrated Transition Model, Benner's Novice-to-Expert framework and Duchscher's …

Feasibility Of A Clinical Supervision Training Program For Mental Health Nurses: A Mixed-Methods Study, Jennifer Hamilton, Lesley Barr, Marie Boulianne, Irene Ngune, Julie Sharrock, Debbie Massey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Clinical supervision is widely recognised as a valuable method of workplace support and professional development. Effective supervision requires clinical supervisors to be trained on theory and practice. Oftentimes, training is interdisciplinary and may not address discipline-specific needs. Aim: This study evaluated the implementation of a clinical supervision training program developed specifically for mental health nurses and informed by community and consumer involvement. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used. A purposeful sample of 18 mental health nurses who completed the training program participated. Data collection included the Acceptability, Feasibility, Appropriateness Scale and open-ended qualitative survey responses. Quantitative data …

Joint Cancer Nurses Society Of Australia–Clinical Oncology Society Of Australia Position Statement On The Contribution Of Nurses To Cancer Survivorship Care In Australia, Raymond J. Chan, Gemma Mcerlean, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Carla Thamm, Carmel O'Kane, Nicolas H. Hart, Gillian Blanchard, Anne Mellon, Justin Hargreaves, Mei Krishnasamy, Michael Jefford

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To describe the development, consultation, and endorsement process for a joint position statement from the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) and the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) regarding the contribution of nurses to cancer survivorship care in Australia. Methods: A development team of nursing and oncology experts (n = 11) was convened in September 2025. The draft position statement was informed by key literature, including the COSA Model of Survivorship Care, Australian Cancer Plan, a modified Delphi study defining nurse capabilities in survivorship care, and an overview of systematic reviews on nurse-led care models. A consultation survey …

Delirium In The Acute Care Setting From The Families Perspective: A Scoping Review, Amber Mclean, Beverley Ewens, Amanda Towell-Barnard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To explore the existing literature on delirium within the acute care setting from the family members' perspective and summarise key findings. Design: A scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Review Methods: The Population, Concept, and Context framework recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review protocol identified the main concepts in the primary review question. The inclusion criteria focused on primary research studies from any chronological date that explored the family members' experience of delirium within the acute care setting. Following screening by two independent reviewers, data extraction was …

Sustainable Healthcare In Action: Six Practice Changes That Make A Difference, Christine Catling, Carol Crevacore, Melisa Young, Wayne Varndell, Jack Cornish, Sue Sheppard-Law, Elaine Correia Moll

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Problem: Planetary health, linking the well-being of human populations with the stability of Earth's natural systems, is increasingly recognised as essential for all organisations. Healthcare is a major contributor to environmental harm, responsible for an estimated 4.4% of global net emissions. As a result, healthcare workers have an important role in driving sustainable, low-waste practices within clinical settings. Aim: This paper outlines six practical, evidence-informed changes that can be introduced within healthcare organisations: adopting reusable tourniquets, reducing unnecessary glove use, recycling medication blister packs, promoting reusable nappies, using reusable or compostable blueys, and reintroducing stainless steel holloware. Discussion: These examples …

Investigating The Role Of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine For Cancer Symptom Management In Older Adults: A Rapid Review, Isabelle C. Karshner

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Patients with cancer often experience symptoms related to disease, complications, and treatment. One potential method of alleviating these symptoms is traditional Chinese herbal medications (TCHM). This rapid review explores the role of traditional Chinese herbal medications in treating cancer-related symptoms in older adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this rapid review is to gain and provide a better understanding of the effects of TCHM on cancer-symptom management in the older adult population. This review explores the association between TCHM and effects on cancer symptoms in older adults, including interactions, toxicity, and signs/symptoms of TCHM use that may be useful information …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Counseling And Nurse Practitioner Trainee Experiences Engaging With An Integrated Behavioral Health (Ibh) Training, Alexander M. Fields, Margaret Emerson, Stephanie Burge, Jill R. Reed, Therese L. Mathews Ph.D., Aprn, Bcba-D, Abby L. Bjornsen

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Integrated behavioral health (IBH) is recognized as the standard for holistic healthcare, addressing the intersection of mental and physical health. As IBH gains prominence, graduate healthcare programs must equip students with strategies to meet its demands. However, limited research exists on training methods that address diverse professional identities and the unique needs of graduate students. Our novel IBH training incorporates interprofessional education (IPE) through modules and simulations grounded in Bandura’s (2001) social cognitive theory. We explored the experiences of 12 counseling, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner students through focus groups. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), we analyzed …

Workplace Violence: A Paradigm Shift, Ann Marie Hutchens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Workplace violence (WPV) has reached epidemic proportions. WPV poses devastating results on the healthcare industry: affecting quality of care and patient outcomes, contribute to the development of physical and psychological conditions for nurses, and reduce the healthcare teams’ level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The United States is already facing a nursing shortage due to baby boomers retiring and an increase chronic disease and the elder population. Although strongly prevalent, WPV is significantly underreported. It is believed that the low rate of reporting is a consequence of apathy that violence is an occupational hazard, and that nothing will change. …

Effects Of Communication Boards On Improving Communication In Assisted Living Care Facilities, Koleen Beatrice Arribas

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: A Residential Care facility utilizes paper charting causing limited access to vital information such as code status, allergies, and/or diet for those caring for the resident.

Context: Exceptional charting only when a resident’s condition changes may not provide enough vital information for the caregiver to administer medication or provide proper support during an emergency, such as the resident’s DNR status.

Interventions: A communication board was placed in a secure space near the nurses’ station with key resident information. Nurses would huddle at the board at before the change of shift and make updates as necessary.

Measures: Staff input in …

Emergency Preparedness Education And Simulation Training For Nursing Students In Southern India, Kevin C. Cameron, Taryn Mccoy, Laura Gray, David Phillippi

DNP Projects

Introduction

To address the identified gap in emergency preparedness education and training among nursing students at a teaching hospital in southern India, a private university in the southeastern United States partnered with the site to develop a quality improvement initiative aimed at strengthening these skills. Nursing students at the partner hospital have limited access to simulation-based training opportunities due to constraints in both curriculum and availability of simulation resources. This lack of exposure may hinder the development of critical emergency preparedness competencies

Methods

Educational content focused on triage and basic life support (BLS). One hundred twenty-four students participated in the …

Standardizing Care: Strengthening Dka Protocol Implementation Among Emergency Department Nurses, Toni Joy Angelique Biliran Miculob

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The objective of this project was to address the inconsistent understanding and utilization of the Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) protocol in a high-acuity emergency department within a large hospital system, where baseline survey results showed that 84% of nurses found the DKA order set confusing and only 15% felt “very comfortable” applying it.

Aim: The aim was to improve nurse clarity, confidence, and consistency in using the DKA protocol to support timely, evidence-based management of this high-risk, time-sensitive condition.

Methods: The intervention consisted of brief, targeted education delivered during pre-shift huddles across day and night shifts, focusing …

Improving Knowledge To Improve Care: Strengthening Nurse Expertise In The Emergency Management Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Minda Murphy

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Setting: A high acuity emergency department within a large hospital system. Problem: Nurses in the emergency department reported inconsistent understanding and utilization of the existing Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) protocol. Pre-intervention survey results showed that 84% of nurses identified the DKA order set as confusing, and only 15% reported feeling “very comfortable” with the protocol. These knowledge gaps contributed to delays in glucose monitoring, inconsistent insulin administration, uncertainty about order-set responsibilities, and variable adherence to evidence-based management. Context: DKA is a time-sensitive, high-risk emergency that requires precise, protocol-driven actions to prevent complications such as electrolyte imbalance, cerebral edema, prolonged hospitalization, …

Conservative Anabaptists Descriptions Of Delay, Comfort In Connectedness, And Ease In Cultural Tension When Seeking And Responding To Healthcare, Matthew D. Hottle

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Introduction: Conservative Anabaptists are a large ethnic religious population that continues to grow in the United States. These groups are known to experience adverse health-related outcomes. Therefore, the concept of transcending health values has been developed to better understand how conservative anabaptists describe seeking and responding to healthcare. The purpose of this study is to (1) gather empirical evidence about the concept of transcending health values and (2) use the evidence to contribute to the body of knowledge of nursing.

Method: The study used qualitative-directed content analysis guided by the core qualities of transcending health values: delay in health-seeking behaviors, …

The Impact Of High-Fidelity Simulation On Graduate Nursing Students’ Knowledge And Confidence In Septic Shock Management, Shaden Mustafa

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) Doctorate of Nursing (DNP) project was to create and evaluate the impact of high-fidelity simulation-based training (SBT) on graduate nursing students’ knowledge and confidence in diagnosing and treating septic shock. Outcomes were measured with pre- and post-simulation tests featuring competency questions and Likert-scale confidence ratings.

Accordingly, the two research questions guiding this project were: (1) How effective is high-fidelity simulation training in improving students’ knowledge and competence in managing septic shock? (2) How effective is high-fidelity simulation training in enhancing students’ confidence when caring for patients with septic shock?

Septic shock was selected …

Impact Of Interprofessional Collaboration On Nurses And Occupational Therapists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beverly Murphy, Marissa Casamento, Abigail Fleming, Anna Gomolski, Camryn Labrador

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

This study explores the impact of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between nurses and occupational therapists (OTs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It investigates the process of collaboration and stakeholder perceptions of interprofessional teamwork. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of IPC in the NICU setting, specifically between nurses and OTs, and to identify barriers that might hinder optimal collaboration.

Methods

A single survey instrument was distributed via social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) and completed by 47 participants (21 Nurses, 26 Occupational therapists). The survey, created using REDCap, included scaled items …

Validation Of The Evaluating Nursing And Curriculum For Transformation Tool For Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Curriculum Integration, Kendra M. Barrier, Mary Dioise Ramos

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) emphasizes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a foundational element for professional nursing education, crucial for preparing students to care for diverse patient populations. The purpose was to develop and validate an instrument to measure the extent to which DEI elements are integrated throughout the nursing curriculum. Methods: The ENACT (Evaluating Nursing and Curriculum for Transformation) was developed through a comprehensive process involving several phases: tool development based on DEI elements, framing each element within the Nursing Process (ADPIE), preliminary evaluation, obtaining content validity index (CVI) from experts, renaming the tool …

Timely Transfusions In Trauma: Instituting A Transfusion Guideline For Trauma Nurses, Lauren Standiford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE This project aims to reduce delays in the blood transfusion process in three non-monitored trauma units at a large academic Level I Trauma Center by decreasing the mean "RN transfusion process times" (RN-TPT) by 20 minutes. The project focuses on optimizing transfusion rates, nursing practices, and electronic documentation integration to enhance transfusion timeliness and improve overall patient care.

BACKGROUND Delays in the blood transfusion process can negatively affect patient outcomes and increase healthcare costs. In three non-monitored trauma units at a Level I Trauma Center, inefficiencies in transfusion rates, nursing practices, and electronic documentation were identified. Barriers included concerns …

A Change In Practice: Improving Uti Management In A Long-Term Care Facility By Implementing Rapid Urinary Culture Collection Protocols To Enhance Timely Treatment And Reduce Hospitalizations, Tania Ojeda

Doctor of Nursing Practice

ABSTRACT

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a leading cause of morbidity among elderly residents in long-term care facilities, where diagnosis is frequently delayed due to atypical presentation, cognitive impairment, and inconsistent urine specimen handling. Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve the timeliness and accuracy of UTI management in a memory care facility through standardized evidence-based protocols. Objectives: The project sought to ensure that: (a) 100% of staff would be educated on the protocol; (b) 100% of residents with suspected UTIs would have urine sent for urinalysis and culture within 8 hours of symptom onset; (c) 100% …

Prevention Of Burnout Among Critical Care Nurses, Jenelle Balaoing, Junela Bautista

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Nursing burnout is a state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by excessive stress among nurses. Critical care nurses face challenges with direct patient care that contribute to emotional and psychological strain that are greatly influenced by workplace adversity and emotional management. Purpose: This research examines the prevalence of burnout among pediatric and adult intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, highlighting particularly high rates of burnout among those with extended years of service. Method: ICU nurses will participate in a qualitative interview that involves open ended questions relevant among burnout and resilience during shifts. Aspects specifically years of critical experience …

Editorial – Dec 2025, Edwin Van Teijlingen, Rafat Jan

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Cultural Aspects Of Breastfeeding In The United States Vs Italy, Madison P. Wallace

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Healthcare systems internationally differ from policies, funding and resources available, and it is evident when comparing the United States and Italy. Participation in the Nursing Across the Lifespan study abroad program at the University of Arkansas Rome Center and Tiny Tusk Breastfeeding and Infant Support internship inspired a comparative exploration of breastfeeding practices in the United States versus. Italy. The United States has a mixed public- private insurance system, workplace policies and government assistance, while Italy has a universal healthcare system with a mandated maternal work paid leave to support breastfeeding mothers. Italy's program supports education and physical care needed …

Nurses’ And Midwives’ Job Satisfaction And Retention During Covid-19: A Scoping Review, Laura Hynes, Sadie Geraghty, Sheena Mcchlery, Aisling Smyth, Reeti Brar, Karen Clark-Burg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic focused attention on the previously well-documented world-wide shortage of nurses and midwives. The pandemic accentuated this crisis, which resulted in nurses and midwives questioning their roles and their careers. The impact of the pandemic on job satisfaction and the intention of nurses and midwives to stay has not been adequately explored. Aim: The aim of this scoping review was to identify and map the literature that describes the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influenced nurses’ and midwives’ job satisfaction and intent to stay or leave their employment or profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This scoping …

Understanding Interprofessional Co-Debriefing Practices Within Large Scale Ward-Based Simulation, Melanie Barlow, Robyn Dickie, Alycia Jacob, Shari Maver, Nick Flynn, Alison Blunt, Susan Darzins, Hugh Davies, Michelle Smith-Tamaray, Elisabeth Jacob

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Despite growing use of interprofessional simulation in healthcare education, there is a lack of published frameworks to guide structured, co-facilitated debriefing between professions. This study explored how nursing and allied health facilitators engage in interprofessional co-debriefing within a large-scale, ward-based simulation program involving over 2000 health students. Methods: Twelve interprofessional co-debriefings were observed and assessed using the debriefing assessment for simulation in healthcare (DASH) tool, with both rater (observer) and instructor (debriefer) versions. Mean debriefing assessment for simulation in healthcare (DASH) scores were compared across five core elements. Qualitative data from instructor short-answer responses and observer field notes were …

Combating Obesity: Creating A Comprehensive Wellness Plan For Uninsured & Low-Income Populations, Kayla C. Berrios

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Aim: The aim of this project was to research the specific barriers encountered by obese patients that are low-income and uninsured. The goal of this data collection was to inform the stakeholders involved in creating a comprehensive wellness plan for obese patients.

Background: The staff at Good Neighbor Clinic have struggled to support their support their obese patients with weight reduction. Many of the ailments that patients seek care for correlate to their obesity. Health promotion in this community clinic needs a more comprehensive program to support patients during their weight loss experience, providing support and resources to allow for …

Exploring Barriers To Patient Care In A South Carolina Free Clinic, Jonathan G. Green

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Access to healthcare remains a persistent challenge for medically underserved populations who rely on free medical clinics for primary care services, particularly in non-Medicaid expansion states such as South Carolina. Free clinics serve as critical safety-net providers, yet patients frequently encounter barriers that limit access, continuity, and quality of care. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to explore and identify the structural, social, and interprofessional barriers to patient care within a South Carolina free medical clinic to inform targeted, evidence-based interventions. A mixed-methods needs assessment design was used, combining a retrospective chart review of forty …

Empowering Mothers: A Digital Intervention For Perinatal Mental Wellness, Morgan Edmunds

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Aim: The aim of this project was to develop a smartphone application prototype for peripartum mental health. The goal of this application was to enhance access to education and quality mental health care.

Background: Currently, in the United States, peripartum mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality (The Joint Commission, 2023). There is a gap in education, screening, and treatment for peripartum mental health due to distrust and a lack of resources, including a lack of mental health providers (Dossette et al., 2024; Feldman & Perret, 2023). Therefore, there is a significant number of women …

The Relationship Between Nursing Faculty Sense Of Belonging And Faculty Intent To Stay, Heather M. Bowers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative and correlational study was to evaluate the relationship between workplace sense of belonging and intent to stay in the current nursing faculty role among full-time nursing faculty. The shortage of nursing faculty impacts the ability to prepare the next generation of nurses needed to meet worldwide nursing demands. Strategies to effectively recruit and retain nursing faculty are important considering the current shortage and increasing retirements of nursing faculty. While sense of belonging has been studied for student retention and studies are beginning to explore the importance of workplace belonging, the impact of organizational sense …

Quality Improvement Project Using Standardized Teaching Tools To Improve Skills Proficiency, Katrina Walker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Studies show that inconsistencies in teaching and evaluating skills proficiency in nursing programs can lead to student failure, delayed progression, and decreased faculty satisfaction. The purpose and aim of this quality improvement project was to determine whether the use of an evidence-based, standardized tool for teaching and evaluating Foley catheter insertion improved faculty satisfaction and teaching confidence compared to faculty-created checklists. The project utilized a quasi-experimental design guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice and Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) faculty implemented the standardized tool and completed pre- and post-intervention Likert-scale surveys measuring …