Expanding The Boundaries Of Bedside Practice: Transport Nursing As A Living Model Of Clinical Nurse Specialist Competencies, Ian A. Lane

Faculty Publications (Peer-Reviewed)

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to argue that clinical nurse specialist (CNS) education represents the most conceptually and professionally continuous advanced practice pathway for critical care transport nurses, and to highlight transport nursing as an underrecognized practice context that aligns closely with CNS competencies and warrants deliberate attention from CNS educators and programs.

Description:  This paper presents a conceptual analysis of transport nursing through the CNS spheres of influence, emphasizing continuity with bedside nursing expertise while extending into quality improvement and systems leadership. This perspective examines how transport nurses routinely navigate high-acuity clinical cases and interfacility system constraints. …

Socioeconomic Influences On Doula Access And Perceived Care Quality Among Black Women Experiencing Severe Maternal Morbidity, Deborah Esene

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Black women experience disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, making it essential to examine access to and the perceived impact of doula support. This study examines whether socioeconomic status influences access to and the perceived benefits of doula support among Black women who experienced severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Researchers surveyed Black women ages 18-49 who had a live birth within the past two years and experienced SMM. Participants were recruited and completed an online survey in late 2020. Key variables included income, education, doula use, and perceived quality of prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care. Among 188 participants, 12.2% …

ผลของโปรแกรมการมีส่วนร่วมในการดูแลเด็กที่มีไข้สูงต่อความพึงพอใจของผู้ดูแล หอผู้ป่วยเด็ก โรงพยาบาลศิครินทร์ กรุงเทพมหานคร, ธัญญพัทธ์ นิธิชัยพัฒนากิจ, วณัฐธมนต์ เจริญสิงห์, นันทนา ยะแสง, กัญญดา ประจุศิลป, นรลักขณ์ เอื้อกิจ

Journal of Nursing Research, Innovation, and Health

วัตถุประสงค์ : เพื่อศึกษาผลของโปรแกรมการมีส่วนร่วมในการดูแลเด็กที่มีไข้สูงต่อความพึงพอใจของผู้ดูแล หอผู้ป่วยเด็ก โรงพยาบาลศิครินทร์ กรุงเทพมหานคร

แบบแผนงานวิจัย : การวิจัยแบบกึ่งทดลอง แบบศึกษาสองกลุ่มวัดครั้งเดียว

วิธีดำเนินการวิจัย : กลุ่มตัวอย่างเป็นผู้ดูแลอายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป ที่รับผิดชอบดูแลผู้ป่วยเด็กที่มีอาการสำคัญในการมาโรงพยาบาลด้วยมีไข้สูง อุณหภูมิกายมากกว่า 38.5 องศาเซลเซียส ซึ่งเป็นอุณหภูมิแรกรับที่รับผู้ป่วยเข้ารับการรักษาตัวในหอผู้ป่วยเด็ก แบ่งเป็นกลุ่มทดลอง และกลุ่มควบคุม กลุ่มละ 24 คน กลุ่มทดลองได้รับโปรแกรมการมีส่วนร่วมในการดูแลเด็กที่มีไข้สูงตามแนวคิดการมีส่วนร่วมของผู้ดูแลร่วมกับการทบทวนวรรณกรรม กลุ่มควบคุมได้รับการพยาบาลตามปกติ เครื่องมือที่ใช้ในการวิจัย ได้แก่ แบบสอบถามข้อมูลทั่วไปของผู้ดูแลและของเด็กที่มีไข้สูง แบบสอบถามความพึงพอใจของผู้ดูแลต่อการพยาบาลเด็กที่มีไข้สูง โดยผ่านการตรวจสอบความตรงเชิงเนื้อหาจากผู้ทรงคุณวุฒิ 3 คน มีค่าดัชนีความตรงตามเนื้อหาเท่ากับ 1 วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลโดยใช้สถิติเชิงพรรณนา และสถิติทดสอบที

ผลการวิจัย : ค่าเฉลี่ยความพึงพอใจของผู้ดูแลระหว่างกลุ่มที่ได้รับโปรแกรมการมีส่วนร่วมในการดูแลเด็กที่มีไข้สูง สูงกว่ากลุ่มที่ได้รับการพยาบาลตามปกติอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติที่ระดับ 0.05 (t = 5.182)

สรุป : โปรแกรมการมีส่วนร่วมในการดูแลเด็กที่มีไข้สูง ส่งผลให้ผู้ดูแลเด็กที่มีไข้สูงเกิดความพึงพอใจสูงขึ้น ผู้บริหารการพยาบาล ควรนำโปรแกรมการมีส่วนร่วมในการดูแลเด็กที่มีไข้สูงนี้ไปอบรมพยาบาลเด็ก เพื่อนำไปสอนญาติหรือผู้ดูแลเด็กที่มีไข้สูงได้อย่างมีประสิทธิภาพ

ผลของโปรแกรมส่งเสริมการจัดการตนเองโดยการให้ข้อมูลอย่างมีแบบแผนต่อความสะอาดของลำไส้ใหญ่และความพึงพอใจการบริการพยาบาลของผู้ที่เตรียมตัวก่อนส่องกล้องลำไส้ใหญ่ครั้งแรก, วัชรพันธ์ สุขอุบล, รุ่งรัตติกาล รุ่งเรือง, กัญญดา ประจุศิลป, ศกุนตลา อนุเรือง

Journal of Nursing Research, Innovation, and Health

วัตถุประสงค์: เพื่อเปรียบเทียบความสะอาดของลำไส้ใหญ่ และความพึงพอใจการบริการพยาบาล ผู้ที่เตรียมตัวก่อนส่องกล้องลำไส้ใหญ่ครั้งแรกก่อน-หลังเข้าร่วมโปรแกรมส่งเสริมการจัดการตนเองโดยการให้ข้อมูลอย่างมีแบบแผน

รูปแบบการวิจัย: การวิจัยแบบกึ่งทดลอง (Quasi-experimental research design) แบบ 2 กลุ่ม

วิธีการดำเนินการวิจัย: การวิจัยนี้เก็บข้อมูลในระหว่างวันที่ 1 กุมภาพันธ์ ถึง 30 เมษายน 2567  ในผู้ที่เตรียมตัวก่อนส่องกล้องลำไส้ใหญ่ครั้งแรก ณ หอผู้ป่วยนอก แผนกโรคทางเดินอาหารและตับ โรงพยาบาลเอกชน ที่อายุตั้งแต่ 20 ปีขึ้นไป ทั้งเพศชายและเพศหญิง จำนวน 50 คน แบ่งเป็นกลุ่มทดลองและกลุ่มควบคุม กลุ่มละ 25 คน โดยจับคู่กลุ่มตัวอย่างให้มีคุณสมบัติใกล้เคียงกันด้วย อายุและโรค กลุ่มทดลองได้รับโปรแกรมส่งเสริมการจัดการตนเองโดยการให้ข้อมูลอย่างมีแบบแผน ส่วนกลุ่มควบคุมได้รับการพยาบาลตามปกติ เครื่องมือที่ใช้ในการเก็บรวบรวมข้อมูล 3 ชุด ได้แก่ 1) ข้อมูลทั่วไปส่วนบุคคล 2) แบบประเมินสะอาดของลำไส้ 3) แบบประเมินความพึงพอใจบริการพยาบาลของผู้ป่วยนอก สัมประสิทธิ์แอลฟาของครอนบาคได้ 0.8 วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลด้วยสถิติเชิงพรรณนา และ Mann Whitney U test โดยกำหนดระดับนัยสำคัญทางสถิติที่ .05

ผลการวิจัย: หลังสิ้นสุดโปรแกรม กลุ่มทดลองมีความสะอาดของลำไส้ใหญ่ดีกว่ากลุ่มควบคุมอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติที่ระดับ .05 และค่าเฉลี่ยคะแนนความพึงพอใจการบริการพยาบาลดีกว่ากลุ่มควบคุมอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติที่ระดับ .05

สรุป: โปรแกรมส่งเสริมการจัดการตนเองโดยการให้ข้อมูลอย่างมีแบบแผน ตามแนวคิดทฤษฎีการจัดการตนเอง Creer (2000) ทำให้ผู้ที่เตรียมตัวก่อนส่องกล้องลำไส้ใหญ่ครั้งแรกมีความรู้ และสามารถในการจัดการตนเองได้  เพื่อความสะอาดของลำไส้ใหญ่และความพึงพอใจการบริการพยาบาลได้

Physical Activity Buffers Screen Time's Impact On Flourishing In Us Youth And Children: Findings From The 2022-2023 Nsch, Aliya Kuerban Phd, Fnp-Bc, Ms, Ma, Rn, Ling Shi

Nursing: Faculty Publications

Objective

Methods

Results

Increasing Mental Health Literacy In An African Immigrant Community In The United States, Dominic T. Nchamukong

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this quality-improvement project was to assess the impact of an educational intervention on mental health literacy, attitudes, stigma, and help-seeking behaviors among members of an African immigrant community in Maryland.

Framework: The Health Belief Model (HBM) guided implementation of the project. The intervention was delivered using HBM constructs to promote increased mental health literacy.

Methods: The study was conducted in four phases: pre-project preparation, recruitment, educational intervention, and post-intervention evaluation. The six-week program was delivered both online and in person. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys measuring knowledge, attitudes, stigma, and willingness to seek professional mental …

Protecting Your Largest Organ: A Journey In Skin Cancer Education, Prevention, And Early Detection, Krista Schneider

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Rates of skin cancer diagnoses continue to increase globally, making skin cancer one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies. Despite rising incidence, many individuals lack knowledge of risk factors, warning signs, and effective prevention strategies. This quality improvement project aimed to improve skin cancer awareness by providing targeted skin cancer education to young adults enrolled at a university in the Midwestern United States. Conducted from August 18 to December 1, 2025, this project followed the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework. Educational presentations were delivered to students enrolled in freshman seminar courses over a two-day period, accompanied by distribution of digital flyers and pamphlets. …

Bridging The Gap In Patient Attendance: A Dnp-Led Quality Improvement Project To Reduce No-Show Rate By Implementing Text Message Reminders, Charles D. Rogers

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Missed medical appointments contribute to revenue loss, workflow inefficiencies, increased staff burden, and reduced patient access to care in primary care settings. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project evaluated the impact of an automated text message (SMS) reminder system on no-show rates in a privately owned, medium-sized family practice in a rural setting, aiming to reduce the baseline no-show rate of 11.4% to 10% or less. Guided by the Model for Improvement and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, automated SMS reminders were sent 48 hours prior to scheduled appointments. Existing 24-hour phone call reminders were maintained. Formative assessments …

Advanced Practice Workforce: ​Drivers Of Satisfaction & Retention​, Stephanie Bork, Amber Balzer, Sally Russell, R. K. Elswick Jr., Terry Jone, Kimberlee Ketchersid, Joseph Deranieri

School of Nursing Publications

Problem

The turnover of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) is costly for institutions and creates gaps in care for organizations. The aims of this study are to describe the characteristics of the APRN and PA workforce in a large, integrated academic medical center and examine relationships between APRN and PA workforce characteristics and organizational outcomes.

Background

APRNs encompass a diverse group of licensed clinicians and are integral to healthcare delivery. As APRNs roles expand to support healthcare needs, turnover is costly and adversely affects patient care. The APRN role remains constrained in many healthcare institutions, contributing to burnout and job …

Considerations For The Analysis Of Urinary Environmental Chemical Concentrations During Pregnancy, Danielle R. Stevens, Kaleigh Hinton, Katie M. O'Brien, Jessie P. Buckley, Barrett M. Welch, Jason A. Watts, Antonia M. Calafat, Julianne C. Botelho, Elena Sinkovskaya, Ann Przybylska, George Saade, Alfred Abuhamad, Kelly K. Ferguson

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background:

Pregnancy physiology may impact indicators of hydration, affecting exposure assessment in gestational studies with urinary chemical biomarkers.

Methods:

We aimed to characterize hydration and demonstrate the impact of different methods for standardizing urinary chemical biomarker concentrations on exposure descriptives in the Human Placenta and Phthalates Study (n = 303, 2017-2020), a prospective pregnancy cohort with eight study visits between 12 and 38 weeks of gestation. We assessed trajectories and predictors of hydration using urine flow rate (UFR) and specific gravity (SG). Likewise, we examined trajectories and predictors of mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), for which concentrations were unstandardized or standardized via …

Feeding Mode Is Associated With Infant Night Sleep Trajectories During The First Postnatal Year, Magdalena Olson, Li Liu, Elizabeth Reifsnider, Dean V. Coonrod, Sarada S. Panchanathan, Megan E. Petrov, Corrie M. Whisner

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Short sleep and formula feeding during infancy are associated with increased risk of childhood obesity. Feeding practices and sleep arrangements vary during infancy and may also be dynamic, yet their impact on infant night sleep duration remains unclear. Understanding these relationships is crucial for formulating recommendations to support breastfeeding and address sleep concerns. Objective: We examined the association between feeding mode and parent-reported infant night sleep duration during the first postnatal year, while additionally evaluating night-weaning and bedsharing as contextual sleep-related practices. Methods: Infants in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area (n = 193) were followed up at 3, 8, 13, …

Effect Of Antipsychotic Medication Use And Type On Mortality And Cardiovascular Risks In Nursing Home Patients With Dementia, Hamid R. Okhravi, Fang Fang, Melissa P. Hunter, Brynn E. Sheehan

Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Faculty Publications

Introduction

Antipsychotic medication (APM) use in nursing home (NH) patients with dementia is common but carries risks. This study assessed the association between APM use and mortality, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) compared to non-use, as well as differences between first- and second-generation APMs.

Methods

A serial cross-sectional study using Medicare data examined outcomes from 2012 to 2015 in a national sample of 328,138 US NH residents aged 50 and older with dementia. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze risk.

Results

APM use was associated with increased mortality in all years (odds ratio [OR] range: 2.39 to 1.23, all …

Proof-Of-Concept Development And Preclinical Evaluation Of A Microarray Patch Platform For Codelivery Of Multiple Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies For Hiv Prevention, M. Melissa Peet, Vivek Agrahari, Parbeen Singh, Lam Luong Hoai Nguyen, Louise A. Ouattara, Eun Sung Yang, Carolina Herrera, Amarendra Pegu, Theodore C. Pierson, Thanh D. Nguyen, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are advancing as a preventative or treatment option for HIV infection, but currently must be administered parenterally, typically as a large injection or infusion, an invasive method of delivery, especially for the pediatric population. Here, we present proof-of-concept data on a minimally invasive microneedle (MN) patch platform codelivering three bnAbs, PGT121, VRC07-523LS, and PGDM1400LS, from separate MN patch units or pixels. Each 1 cm² patch pixel, fabricated via solvent casting, contained ∼2 mg of one bnAb. In ex vivo porcine skin tests, the MNs effectively penetrated the skin. When tested in vitro in PBS buffer, MNs …

Eeg Signatures Of Motor Development In Early Childhood: A Systematic Review, Sonia Khurana, Ashwini Kulkarni, Thomas C. Bulea, Hunter J. Bennett

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Early identification of motor developmental disorders is limited due to lack of objective neural markers that characterize typical neurodevelopmental patterns. This systematic review interprets and synthesizes existing evidence to propose a framework of EEG signatures associated with motor development in children aged 0-5 years, which may help inform future benchmarks for early assessment and intervention.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched published and gray literature across five databases between 2000 and 2025 (registered protocol). Included studies examined EEG during task-based, resting-state, or sleep studies linked to motor milestones, task performance, or standardized motor assessments. Study quality was assessed using …

Advancing Safe Medication Administration During Pediatric Emergency Care Through Nurse Education: A Quality Improvement Project, Ciera Hunter

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Due to the increased complexities of pediatric medication administration, preventable errors occur at a higher rate than in general adult populations. Rural emergency departments (EDs) often see fewer pediatric patients and have less specialized support available on-site. Nurse continuing education is an evidence-based intervention to reduce medication administration errors making it vital to supporting patient safety and maintaining pediatric readiness.

Local Problem: The microsystem is a rural, critical access hospital in northern New England. In 2021, the microsystem scored 66/81 on the National Pediatric Readiness Project’s (NPRP’s) ED Assessment. In 2026, the score dropped 11 points to 55/81. Contributing …

Addressing Perception Of Nurse Burnout Through Educational Interventions On An Inpatient Hematology And Oncology Unit: A Quality Improvement Project, Kendra Flint

Master's Theses and Capstones

Introduction Nurse burnout is a growing concern in healthcare due to its negative effects on nurse well-being, staff retention, patient safety and quality of care. This quality improvement project evaluated whether a brief educational intervention could improve nurses’ confidence in recognizing and managing early signs of burnout within an inpatient hematology and oncology unit.

Methods This QI project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework to guide implementation and evaluation. Registered nurses completed anonymous pre- and post- intervention electronic surveys and descriptive statistics were used to compare change in self-reported confidence and burnout perception.

Intervention Participants were directed through a brief electronic …

Promoting Safe And Effective Ciwa-Ar Protocol Adherence On An Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Through An Educational Reference Poster: A Quality Improvement Project, Kenan J. Gray

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can progress to seizures, delirium tremens, and autonomic instability. The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol–Revised (CIWA-Ar) supports symptom-triggered AWS management, but safe use depends on timely nursing assessment, reassessment, and documentation.

Local Problem: On an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, chart audits identified CIWA-Ar protocol adherence gaps, including missed four-hour assessments and one-hour reassessments after lorazepam.

Methods: This quality improvement project used the Plan-Do-Study-Act model. Three educational reference posters were placed in high-visibility staff areas with QR-linked access to the facility’s AWS protocol and CIWA-Ar scoring guidelines. Outcomes were evaluated using pre- and post-intervention …

Improving Timely Pain Reassessments And Documentation Using Nurse Education And Visual Reminders: A Quality Improvement Project, Madison Grace

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Effective pain management requires nurses to complete and document an entire pain assessment cycle, including the initial assessment, intervention, and reassessment (Wolters Kluwer, paragraph 5, 2020). Timely reassessments are essential for determining whether interventions were effective or if additional actions need to be taken to improve patient pain and comfort. Despite established hospital policies and guidelines, inconsistencies in timeliness of pain reassessments and associated documentation are a common challenge faced.

Local Problem: Baseline chart audits on a 22-bed combined pediatric and adult medical-surgical unit identified opportunities to improve adherence to timely pain assessments and documentation. With only 65% percent …

Improving Staff Knowledge And Consistency In Sat And Sbt Practices In The Critical Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Morgan Crapo

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous Awakening Trails (SATs) and Spontaneous Breathing Trials (SBTs) are key components of the ICU Liberation Bundle and have been associated with shorter durations of mechanical ventilation, reduced intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and improvement in patient outcomes. Despite having strong evidence supporting their use, implementation remains inconsistent due to knowledge gaps, workflow barriers and interdisciplinary communication challenges.

Local Problem: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve critical care nurses’ knowledge and confidence regarding the implementation of SATs and SBTs through an evidence-based educational intervention.

Methods: Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, this QI …

A Quality Improvement Project: Enhancing Nursing Knowledge And Patient Safety In The Prevention Of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries (Hapis) In A Medical-Surgical Unit, Kristen Vartabedian

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a significant quality indicator within the hospital system. HAPIs increase hospitalization, morbidity, and associated healthcare costs. The current evidence suggests that ongoing nursing education can improve pressure injury prevention and help in the early identification.

Local Problem: Nurses within a medical-surgical unit demonstrated a gap in knowledge in the identification of hospital acquired pressure injuries and lack of accuracy when charting skin findings. Thus, contributing to a delay in recognition and treatment of HAPIs.

Methods: This quality improvement project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework to guide implementation of educational flipbooks. Materials contained standardized wound …

Implementing A Nurse Re-Education Program To Promote Timely Use Of The Jada® System In The Postpartum Hemorrhage Cascade: A Quality Improvement Project, Maegan E. Doody

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), defined as blood loss greater than 1,000 mL after delivery, is a leading cause of maternal morbidity in the United States. Identification of risk factors and timely intervention are critical to improving maternal outcomes after delivery. First-line interventions include manual uterine massage, uterotonic medications, and antifibrinolytic medications; however, when bleeding is not well controlled, the Jada® System (Jada) is a newer vacuum-induced hemorrhage control device with a high efficacy and safety profile, particularly when implemented earlier in the hemorrhage cascade.

Local Problem: In 2025, the annual rate of PPH within the microsystem was 7.29%, …

Reducing Readmissions For Copd Through Improved Education: A Gap Analysis, Raphael Gaughan

Master's Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Promoting Equitable Access To Postpartum Hemorrhage Education: A Quality Improvement Project Using Educational Interventions For Night Shift Nurses, Michelle Stella

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious condition that can lead to maternal morbidity or mortality following the birth of their child. It is important for nurses to be properly educated to manage this condition quickly and efficiently. Night shift nurses often face barriers to accessing educational opportunities during their shift because most education is tailored to daytime hours.

Local Problem: At the project site facility, night shift nurses perceived inconsistent access to education compared to day shift nurses. This gap highlighted the need for more flexible educational modalities to meet the needs of night shift nurses.

Methods: This …

Enhancing Patient Safety And Team Communication Via Standardized Unit Handoff Tools In Inpatient Rehabilitation, Julia Rae Before

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Interdisciplinary safety huddles in healthcare are used to facilitate staff communication, voice patient safety concerns and identify high acuity patients, as well as identify current unit issues that need resolution. Using characteristics of safety huddles, revising patient report sheets to include pertinent safety information often shared during huddles may lead to an increase in staff perception of communication as well as awareness to patient safety concerns. Within an in-patient rehabilitation hospital, anonymous staff reports indicated dissatisfaction with interprofessional communication and microsystem data revealed increased events of adverse patient outcomes and safety concerns. Baseline data indicated inconsistent patient handoff …

A Patient-Centered Approach To Improving Patient And Family Education On Perioperative Processes To Reduce Anxiety: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Ashley Lauren Doherty

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Perioperative anxiety is common among surgical patients and their family members. Anxiety may be increased by uncertainty and limited understanding of the surgical experience. Improving perioperative education may enhance understanding, reduce anxiety, and support a more patient and family centered surgical experience.

Local Problem: A Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) identified knowledge gaps in patient and family education about the perioperative process. The existing waiting room bulletin board was outdated and provided limited information. PACU nurses observed anxiety-related behaviors and confusion among patients and family members about the perioperative process. Patient satisfaction surveys routinely collected by the hospital also demonstrated …

Enhancing Safety And Efficiency In Cardiac Admission Handoffs Through Implementation Of An I-Pass Checklist: A Quality Improvement Project, Soraia D. Barros

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Effective care handoff is a necessary step for maintaining patient safety during hospitalizations. The goal of this quality improvement project was to improve the completeness of information, particularly cardiac-related, provided by the ED staff to the CSSU nurses. The implementation involved the creation of a cardiac checklist and applying it to the pre-existing I-PASS forms used during asynchronous handoff.

Local Problem: The macrosystem implemented an updated system for handoffs between the ED and CSSU by substituting an over-the-phone report with a faxed I-PASS sheet. The result, as identified by the CSSU staff, is that reports contain undetailed patient …

Improving Effective Completion Of Catheter Care Using A Reminder System To Minimize Incidence Of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: A Quality Improvement Project, Morgan K. Leonard

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: CAUTI rates can be decreased by implementing a care cluster for RNs for CAUTI care into morning assessments and medication administration to ensure it is being done regularly with reminders through cards at the computers in patient rooms. LOCAL PROBLEM: The local problem in the microsystem were the catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rates at 1.199, while the national benchmark is 1.000 (Medicare, n.d.).

METHODS: Reminder cards were placed in patient rooms on the computers which are highly utilized by staY while providing patient care to serve as a reminder to complete catheter care in a high task burden …

Improving Efficiency In The Intensive Care Unit Through Reduction Of Nurse Burnout: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Johanna Grace Koroma

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) nursing is prone to high levels of burnout, which poses concern for staff wellbeing, patient safety, and microsystem strain (Kerlin et al., 2020). Educational interventions may serve as a means of increasing awareness on the issue and reducing the effects of burnout, through promotion of evidence-based management strategies.

Local Problem: One ICU microsystem identified several key contributing factors to nurse burnout, including staffing shortages, limited resources, competing responsibilities within the macrosystem, and insufficient organizational support (Zhang et al., 2025). Baseline survey data of the population observed a prevalence of 50% “high” burnout profiles among …

Increasing Patient Feedback Survey Completions Through Patient-Centered Nursing Communication: A Quality Improvement Project, Lindsey E. Pawlowski

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Patient feedback is essential to providing the best possible nursing care. Positive patient experiences can impact overall patient satisfaction, loyalty, and trust.

Local Problem: On a pediatric unit at a New England hospital, an assessment of the microsystem revealed that there was a low number of monthly patient feedback survey completions, which limited insight into patient experiences.

Aim Statement: The primary aim of this project was to increase the number of monthly National Research Corporation (NRC) surveys to ten by June 30, 2026.

Methods: This quality improvement project was guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. The first stage of …

Increasing Nursing Perceptions On Advanced Directives Through Education To Promote Patient Centered Care, Michelle Strong

Master's Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.