Nursing Commons^™

Evaluating The Mental Health Of Newly Graduated Nurses In Transition From Undergraduate Training To Professional Practice, Victor Louis C. Alinas

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: There is an increasing demand for nurses worldwide as healthcare systems slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, there is a high turnover of registered nurses and an even higher turnover in the demographic of newly graduated nurses. Newly graduated nurses (NGNs) are constantly faced with high levels of stress upon starting out in the professional environment and as a result of mental burnout and inadequate preparation, there is a notably high turnover of newly graduated nurses within their first year of employment. Purpose: This research aims to use existing information on the transition from undergraduate training to professional …

Enhancing Well- Being In Individuals With Special Needs: The Power Of Music Therapy, Nicole Love Lazaro

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background Anxiety and stress are silent burdens that weigh heavily on the well-being of many individuals with special needs. If left unnoticed it can lead to negative outcomes of their mental health and daily activities. Research shows that music therapy is effective for treating anxiety and depression in various healthcare settings, there is limited research on its use in individuals with special needs. This issue can leave many without access to a simple yet effective intervention that could enhance their quality of life and daily activities. Objective The purpose of this research proposal is to explore the effectiveness of music …

The Impact Of Parental Mental Health On Infants In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Andee L. Plaskett

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides critical and life saving care for infants born with medical complications that may need specialized care. The NICU environment can be an overwhelming and stressful place for both parents and infants. Parental mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can significantly impact infants in the NICU by hindering parent infant interaction and connection. Parental mental distress is often linked to an increase in anxiety for the infant, as well as higher rates of medical complications and a higher likelihood of longer hospital stays for the infant. Parental stress can have a …

Enhancing Resilience In Oncology Nurses Through The Implementation Of A Peer Support Program, Denise M. Robinson-Smith

DNP Scholarly Projects

ABSTRACT

Background: Oncology nurses face high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue, contributing to significant turnover and threatening the stability of the oncology nursing workforce. The projected increase in cancer incidence and the resulting demand for oncology services underscore the urgent need for interventions that enhance nurse resilience. Local Problem: At a major hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, it was found that oncology nurses face a significant gap in emotional support, especially during critical incidents such as patient deaths or traumatic events. Existing resources were insufficient to address the unique stressors faced by this team. Methods: A quality …

Reducing Stress Related To Injection Therapy: A Zen Bundle Approach, Valoree Bowen

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Needle fear and stress are common barriers preventing adults from seeking necessary medical treatments, including intramuscular (IM) injection therapy. Research highlights the need for evidence-based interventions to mitigate this fear and improve patient experience.

Objective: This evidence-based pilot project included a Zen Bundle—an intervention incorporating shared decision-making, aromatherapy, and distraction—to evaluate the impact on stress reduction and patient satisfaction in a retail vitamin shop in North Texas.

Methods: The project utilized a pre-and post-intervention design over eight weeks. Participants completed pre-surveys assessing stress levels using a Visual Analog Scale before choosing an intervention (aromatherapy, distraction, or both) during IM …

A Comprehensive Exploration Of Stress And Depressive Symptoms In Farm Populations, Julie C. Derringer

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

High rates of depression and suicide continue to be a concern, despite four decades of growing research into the mental health of farmers. Most farmers have an awareness of a need for improved mental health, but a lack of knowledge persists. As agricultural production demands increase and the number of family farms decreases, the stress placed upon farmers to support the food chain is higher than ever. Understanding the association between farm demands and resources among farmers is key for the development and implementation of programs to decrease occupational stress and depressive symptoms to improve mental health outcomes across farming …

The Association Between Sleep Quality, Depression, Anxiety, And Job-Related Stress Among Nurses In Saudi Arabia, Romeo Jr Patague Mostoles

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study examined the mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between depression, anxiety, and job-related stress among nurses in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Sociodemographic information, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, depression, anxiety, and work-related stress were evaluated in 851 nurses. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the mediation effect of sleep quality on mental health and job stress in nurses.

Results: High rates of anxiety (65.9% severe, 34.1% moderate), depression (37.2% moderate to severe), and poor sleep (51.4%) were found. Sex, marital status, education, nationality, and smoking status significantly influenced mental health outcomes. For example, …

Stress Management Education Module For Nursing Students, Valentina Loreto-Ashley

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background. Stress refers to a state of mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Research indicates that stress negatively affects university students.

Problem. Researchers have found that 30% of undergraduate nursing students have symptoms of burnout resulting from an overaccumulation of stressors and 97.8% were at moderate risk for developing burnout.

Approach. An educational module consisting of a 15-minute YouTube videos was designed, developed, and implemented to increase awareness about stress, reduce feelings of anxiety, and identify integration potential of such a module in nursing education to promote student well-being. Participants completed an online survey before …

Stress Management Through Educational Coping Techniques, Margaret Nikitchuk, Maddy Politeo, Sarah Hall, Ben Pham, David Kumar, Kiana George

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

Executive Summary

According to the United States Census Bureau, Seattle reported the highest amount of people with stress in the United States with 54.5% (reported by adults) saying they felt ‘nervous, anxious or on edge’ for at least several days during the past two weeks” (Swedish, 2024). Many residents in Seattle cope with stress in unhealthy ways. For instance, in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA, 19% of individuals aged 12 or older used illicit drugs, compared to the national rate of 14.7% (SAMHSA, 2012). Additionally, 22.5% of this population engaged in binge alcohol use at least once in the past month (SAMHSA, 2012). …

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 …

Efficacy Of M-Health Solution On The Paternal Postpartum Depression Affecting The Relationship Of The Couple: A Pilot Study In Four Hospitals Of Karachi, Pakistan, Syeda Sakina Mehdi, Naghma Rizvi, Saleema A. Gulzar, Nuruddin Badruddin Mohammed, Vardah Bharuchi, Syeda Aleena Abbas, Mehak Barolia

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts mothers and fathers, with paternal PPD (PPPD) affecting 28.3% of fathers in Pakistan. PPPD exacerbates maternal symptoms and disrupts family dynamics but remains underdiagnosed due to cultural stigmas and gender-specific presentations, such as aggression and stress. Socio-economic challenges, marital dissatisfaction, and limited support further heighten PPPD risks. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer accessible, stigma-free solutions for mental health support. This study explores PPPD health needs and evaluates an mHealth intervention for improving detection, support, and relationship outcomes among postpartum couples in Pakistan.
Methods: This exploratory sequential mixed-methods study will be conducted in two phases. …

Building A Meditation Room To Improve Critical Care Nurse’S Work Environment: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Jennifer Alonso, Daphne Pierre, Stephanie Wald, Stephen Breazeale

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Burnout, stress, and compassion fatigue are common among nurses, especially for those working in intensive care and during night shifts, and may contribute to the global nursing shortage. Thus, nursing organizations have issued recommendations to improve workplace health. Aligned with these initiatives, we sought to improve nurses' stress by creating a meditation room in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Miami. Methods: This evidence-based practice project took place from March to August 2023. The meditation room opened in May 2023 with a variety of therapeutic modalities, including meditation, music, and aromatherapy. We conducted two custom-designed surveys to …

Kolcaba’S Comfort Theory: A Framework For Understanding The Significance Of Skin-To-Skin Care After Childbirth, Aqsa Nizar Ali

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Despite the WHO recommendations and evidenced-based results of skin-to-skin contact, it is quite an uncommon practice witnessed after childbirth. Compared to research conducted in low and middle-income nations, the majority of the studies conducted in high-income countries revealed greater rates of SSC [11]. Skin-to-skin contact, a nurturing practice, has gained significant recognition as a cornerstone of early infant care. Beyond its physiological benefits, skin-to-skin contact fosters a profound sense of comfort and connection between mother and infant. Kolcaba's theory of comfort, a comprehensive framework for understanding and promoting comfort, provides a valuable lens to explore the multifaceted benefits of skin-to-skin …

Building Confidence, Diminishing Stress: A Clinical Incivility Management Initiative For Nursing Students, Younglee Kim, Phoebe (Yeon) S. Kim, Henrietta Nwamu, Anne Lama

Nursing Faculty Publications

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive program designed to reduce nursing students’ perceived stress and improve self-efficacy and readiness to professionally address incivility during clinical practice. Background: Incivility in clinical settings adversely impacts learners, educators, institutions, and healthcare systems, undermining safety and the teaching–learning process. Despite its increasing global prevalence, effective interventions remain largely unexplored. Methods: Our mixed-methods study, conducted from March to April 2024, involved senior baccalaureate pre-licensure nursing students (N = 35) from a California State University. The three-week, one-hour-per-week, interactive clinical incivility management program was developed through an extensive …

Exploring Prelicensure Bsn Students' Knowledge Of Mindfulness Meditation Using A Smartphone App To Manage Stress And Promote Resilience: A Qualitative Single Case Study, Beth A. Kelley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students' knowledge of mindfulness meditation (MM) using a smartphone app (SMA) to manage stress and promote resilience. Guiding this study was the transactional model of stress, adaptation, and coping by Lazarus and Folkman (1984) and the zone of proximal development (ZPD) educational theory by Vygotsky. The study asked the following questions: What was pre-licensure Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) students’ knowledge of mindfulness meditation (MM) using a smartphone app (SMA) to manage stress and promote resilience? What had the prelicensure BSN …

Investigating Nature-Based Mindfulness In Nurse Anesthesia Students: A Pilot Study, Douglas Lovern

Dissertations

Across the country, the mental health crisis continues to rage. Varying degrees of depression, stress, and anxiety are commonly found in college-age students. The COVID-19 pandemic augmented this crisis, but the pandemic is not the sole culprit for the escalation of mental health disorders in the United States. Students across the globe suffer mental health disorders that include depression, anxiety, and stress. Research has shown that graduate students are six times more likely to develop anxiety and depression than the general population. Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) are vulnerable to mental health disorders. SRNAs enter labor-intensive doctoral programs fraught with …

Traditional Art Dance Therapy To Reduce Stress Levels Of Elementary School Students, Shinta Restu Wibawa, Christantie Effendy, Heny Suseani Pangastuti, Ami Novianti Subagya, Eryono Budi Wijoyo, Aisya Puteri Andari, Dwi Apriliana, Qurrota Aini Zahrotu Sholikhah

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of new learning systems that are more student-centered. Unfortunately, elementary school students experienced stress and difficulties in adapting from face-to-face to online learning system. Online learning environment lacks in accommodating outdoor activities which are important for children. Several techniques can be applied to reduce stress, including dancing. This research aimed to examine the effectiveness of Traditional Art dance Therapy (TATA) for elementary school students in reducing stress. In this quasi-experimental research, one-group pretest-posttest design without control group was applied, involving 84 students at one elementary school in Yogyakarta , Indonesia. Students’ levels of stress …

Improving Mental Health Outcomes For Amputees, Zachary Elmore

Dissertations

Problem: depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are more commonly diagnosed in the amputee population related to changes in mobility, activities of daily living, and quality of life (Turner et al., 2020.) As the amputation population is projected to reach over 3 million Americans in the next 25 years, additional screening is imperative to identify patients at high-risk for mental health deterioration (Ziegler-Graham et al., 2018).

Methods: this was a project that included screening all patients with the Personal Health Questionnaire for Depression (PHQ-8) meeting the inclusion criteria of being admitted to 7500 Vascular Surgery at Barnes-Jewish …

Reducing Stress And Improving Mindfulness Practices Among Mental Health Professionals Through Guided Meditation., Liara G. Patton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Abstract

Background: Chronic exposure to psychological stress places mental health providers in a vulnerable position when coping skills are not learned or available. Mental health providers are at risk for both mental and physical illness due to the empathetic demands of their client’s stressors. The deficit in adequate coping skills can cause provider-client relationships to suffer and create an undesirable work environment.

Setting: This project took place in Somerset, KY, at a mental health company called A New Beginnings Achievement Center (ANBAC). Twenty-six employees work at ANBAC, all of whom are involved in providing mental health services to developmentally delayed …

Determining The Effectiveness Of Deep Breathing Exercises In Alleviating Stress In Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), Lovette Okoh

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric disorder that affects veterans following deployment from combat. Medication side effects and re-exposure to trauma while undergoing psychotherapy hinder the effectiveness of recommended treatments. There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises in stress management, which is a common feature among PTSD patients. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to evaluate the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises in alleviating stress among veterans with PTSD. Nursing staff at the project site were educated about the benefits of deep breathing exercises and how to perform them and educated veterans …

Impact Of Mindfulness Education And Resources On Stress In Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jacqueline James

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

The purpose of this project was to reduce stress levels of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by teaching them mindfulness practices and education on free and accessible methods to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives, as well as the benefits of mindfulness in reducing stress and improving psychological well-being.

Parents of children with ASD experience high levels of stress and numerous research studies support the use of mindfulness techniques to reduce stress levels in adults. The participants in this project included mothers who have at least one child with ASD who attend the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental …

There’S An App For That: Reducing Stress In Peri- And Post-Menopausal Women, Roxane M. Brown, Bsn, Rn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Introduction: This evidence-based Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to demonstrate the impact of Calm mobile application mindfulness activities on perceived stress levels in peri- and post-menopausal women ages 45 - 60 years old in a community setting.

Background: In 2020, 31.8 million women in the United States (U.S.) were between 45 and 60 years old. They are mothers, daughters, employees, and bosses, navigate intimate and social relationships, and are often caregivers. It can be a stressful stage of life. Meanwhile, these women experience menopausal changes, including hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Peri- and post-menopausal women …

Exploring The Nexus: The Influence Of Acculturation And Stress On Infant Outcomes Among Hispanic And Black/African American Adolescents, Mia I. Moreno

2024 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Numerous studies on acculturation and acculturative stress exist; however, findings are inconsistent and overlook an exploration of differences between Hispanic and Black/African American (B/AA) adolescents’ acculturation, stress, and birth outcomes. Despite societal and cultural challenges for both minorities, Hispanic women typically have positive birth outcomes comparable to White women, but B/AA women show an increased risk for negative birth outcomes. Further, minority and adolescent childbearing women frequently receive fewer prenatal care (PNC) visits than recommended which may impact birth outcomes. Therefore, my study sought to compare Hispanic and B/AA women’s birth outcomes assessing acculturation and stress and examine the relationship …

Incorporation Of Mindfulness Application Use In Doctoral Nurse Anesthesia Curricula For Mitigation Of Stress And Anxiety In Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Kerrie Rodgers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The nurse anesthesia specialty is highly stressful, with educational training being no exception. High didactic demands and intensive clinical experiences are placed on student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs), increasing stress and anxiety in their personal and professional lives. High levels of psychological distress can lead to inadvertent consequences in students’ mental, emotional, and physical health and can contribute to illness, burnout, substance use, and compromise in patient safety. Some degree of stress is necessary for motivation to succeed and perform at high levels, and encountering stress while enrolled in a doctoral nurse anesthesia program is expected and unavoidable. A search …

A Pilot Project To Improve The Well-Being Of Inpatient Nurse Managers At An Academic Medical Center Through A Mindfulness-Based Intervention, Nancy Wiederhold

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose: To decrease inpatient nurse managers' burnout, stress, and compassion fatigue through attendance at a mindful, self-compassion intensive program.

Background/Significance: Nurse leaders and managers are indispensable pillars of the healthcare team, carrying the responsibility of shaping organizational success and ensuring quality patient care. Unfortunately, the current landscape of nursing leadership is clouded by sentiments of powerlessness, hopelessness, and guilt.

Description: Recognizing the practical challenges faced by nurse managers, a targeted intervention was implemented – a four-week, in-person mindfulness-based, self-compassion program. This initiative aimed to equip them with the tools to mitigate stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Led by a trained …

Modifying Aha Stress Management And Physical Activity Modules For Senior Communities, Madai Molina Apolinar, Kristina Luu, Sarah Allen, Samantha Isabel Pio Argueta, Annalise P. Sanders, Emil Visaya

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

Modifying AHA Stress Management and Physical Activity Modules for Senior Communities

This quarter our group was given the opportunity to partner with two organizations to conduct work surrounding blood pressure and heart health education. One of our partners was a senior living organization whose mission is to transform beliefs about affordable housing through supporting communities where seniors and families can thrive. We also collaborated with the American Heart Association (AHA), which seeks to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke for the improvement and overall health of the population.

For this project, we were tasked with simplifying the AHA “Check. Change. Control.” …

Life After The Pandemic: Use Of An Educational Coping Strategy Tool Kit For Healthcare Professionals, Christine Thorpe-Gilpin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research has proven that acute care healthcare professionals (i.e., nurses, certified nursing assistants, and respiratory therapists have been experiencing ongoing challenges and ineffective coping mechanisms. The Toolkit for Emotional Coping for Healthcare Staff (TECHS) educational toolkit has introduced practical coping skills that could benefit healthcare workers. Using the TECHS has effectively inspired the development and usage of practical coping skills among healthcare workers. There were three tools included in the TECHS educational material to understand and manage adversity, which can be repeated for new or recurring stressful situations in a personal or team-based approach. These tools were based on cognitive-behavioral …

The Use Of Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques To Reduce Stress In Pre-Licensure Nursing Students, Amy Naugle

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Research supports the idea that pre-licensure nursing students experience higher levels of stress than their general education-focused peers. This DNP project focused on stress related to nursing exams in the first semester of nursing school and promoted the adoption of diaphragmatic breathing techniques. The use of stress management techniques has been explored in those with intense job experiences and has proven to alleviate stress and promote improved coping. This cohort of pre-licensure nursing students was asked to identify stressors that affected them within the preceding 6 months while attending the first semester of a 2-year nursing program. The cohort was …

The Effects Of Controlled Breathing And Physical Postures On Anxiety And Stress In Mental Health Patients, Kristen Killingsworth

DNP Research Projects

Objective: Anxiety and stress are debilitating disorders that have been on the rise in recent years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Medication alone has not been shown to be successful in mitigating the disorders, necessitating research into other alternatives for anxiety and stress management. The purpose of this project was to assess if a single complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) relaxation session had an impact on stress and anxiety levels. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify strategies for reducing stress and anxiety. Guided by the Holistic Care Model of Self-Regulation, the nurse-led CAM relaxation session was developed. The …

Er Staff & Burnout: Interventions For Stress Management, Sara Elizabeth Kerbow

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing is one of the most difficult professions, not only physically exhausting but the mental and emotional toll can create havoc for the person’s life (Scala & Drummond, 2016). This DNP project, “Reset”, was founded on the concept of nursing burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma causing overwhelming stress related to the emergency room nurse and staff. The purpose of this project was to show how a 15-minute mental health reset can play an essential role in stress reduction. By using complementary health modalities such as lavender essential oil with diffuser, visual imagery, and massage while listening to soft calming …