Nursing Commons^™

Staff Education To Reduce The Incidence Of Central Line Infections In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Khldon Hassan Al-Omari

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project aimed to reduce the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) by educating clinical staff on the importance of hand hygiene and bundle compliance. Despite established guidelines, CLABSI remains a significant issue in healthcare, particularly in PICUs, where patients are at higher risk for infections. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: How does staff education on hand hygiene and CLABSI bundle compliance impact the prevention of CLABSI in the PICU? Twenty-five PICU nurses participated in the educational sessions. Analytical strategies included pretests and …

Reduce Readmission Among Patients Within 60 Days Of Discharge In A Behavioral Health Unit, Iretioluwa Emmanuella Adeniran-Adetoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project focused on a staff education initiative to reduce 60-day readmission rates in a behavioral health unit within a hospital. The project was staff focused, emphasizing the provision of training to the nursing staff to effectively design the discharge planning of patients by actively involving them in the discharge plans. The purpose was to provide nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to strengthen discharge planning and directly influence patient outcomes. Addressing the practice problem was an urgent need because patients in the behavioral health unit were at increased risk of readmission. The main factors …

Belonging Without Borders: A Missionary Kid Reflects On Nursing School, Julia Beth Stamp

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

This reflective essay examines the experience of pursuing a nursing degree while living far from home as a Missionary Kid. It explores how the absence of close family ties during nursing school intensified feelings of loneliness, challenged motivation, and strained emotional well-being. Interwoven with personal narrative and supported by recent literature, the reflection highlights the way that community— through peers, mentors, and faculty— emerged as a vital source of resilience. The essay argues that resilience in nursing education is not the product of individual grit alone but grows from interdependence and the willingness to seek and receive support. Through recounting …

Sacred Lessons In The Last Moments: Faith Integration And Holistic Nursing, Meredith Lemmi

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

Where Pain Meets Grace, Callie Messick

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

The Heart Of A Nurse, Mikayla Lang

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

Resistance Is Not Futile: Plotting A Future Of Critical Thinking With Ai In Nursing Education, Alex Boggs

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

Nurse Faculty Burnout: A Narrative Literature Review, Susan Braud, Cynthia Goodrich, Amanda Martin

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

Background: Nursing faculty burnout significantly impairs teaching effectiveness and contributes to high turnover rates, threatening the future nursing workforce and overall quality of patient care.

Purpose: This review explores the contributing factors, consequences, and potential interventions related to nurse faculty burnout—a key driver of faculty attrition.

Method: An integrative literature review guided by the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework was conducted using the Melynk’s Level of Evidence Scale applied to assess the strength and quality of selected studies.

Results: Burnout in nurse faculty is multifactorial, stemming from overwhelming workloads, insufficient institutional support, and persistent systemic challenges. If unaddressed, it leads …

What Methods Do Pre-Licensure Bsn Students At A Christian University Use To Improve Resilience: A Qualitative Case Study, Beth Kelley

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

The purpose of this mixed-methods single-case study was to explore methods that pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students at a Christian university used to improve their resilience. Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (1984) was employed as a theoretical framework, and the study asked: What methods did pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students at a Christian university use to manage stress and improve resilience? A convenience sample of 91 students was obtained to complete the demographic questionnaire, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Of those students, 25 volunteered for interviews …

Advancing Holistic Nursing: Bridging The Gap In Spiritual Care, Rachel Joseph

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

Empowered By The Almighty: A Journey Of Faith And Nursing, Diane Bridge

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

Volume 3, Issue 1 - Complete Issue

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

Vitamin D Deficiency And Cardiovascular Health Disparities In High-Melanin Populations: A Scoping Review, Jalen K. Luter, Silver R. Kaylor, Michael S. Boyer

Doctoral Projects

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality and disproportionately affect individuals with darker skin tones, partly due to vitamin D deficiency (Sabzmakan et al., 2014). This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project uses a scoping review methodology to examine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular outcomes, with an emphasis on high-melanin populations. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Framework, the review synthesizes existing evidence, identifies gaps in representation and biomarker use, and highlights social and biological contributors to disparity. Databases including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched, and studies were screened using standardized inclusion criteria: …

The Impact Of Peer Mentorship In Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia Programs: A Scoping Review, Karoline Gasque, Kelly Mcreynolds, Shelia Crump

Doctoral Projects

Abstract
Problem statement: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) programs are known for
their rigorous curriculum, which predisposes Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) to
challenges such as mental health issues, stress, and isolation.
Purpose: Review the literature and assess gaps in the literature to determine if peer mentorship
programs benefit SRNAs’ well-being, promote support, reduce stress, and improve retention.
Method: Databases were searched using keywords and inclusion criteria. Studies were
considered if they discussed peer mentorship in students, healthcare professionals, or nursing.
Patterns and themes were assessed to derive conclusions from the literature available. The
Population, Concept, and Context framework was …

Cv: Eleftheria Karapas (Nursing), Eleftheria Karapas

Nursing Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Over Reliance On Antidepressant Medication In Long-Term Care Facilities: Rethinking Mental Health Approaches, Kaylene Elder

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition among older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities and is often managed primarily through antidepressant medications. While these medications can be effective, their overuse in elderly populations increases the risk of falls, sedation, cognitive decline, and adverse drug interactions. This project addresses the need for safer, evidence-based alternatives by promoting non-pharmacological interventions that support holistic well-being. The proposed approach integrates gratitude journaling, vitamin D testing to identify deficiencies, and vitamin D supplementation for residents experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Implementation is led by nursing staff and supported by the interdisciplinary care team, …

Effect Of Workplace Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Programs On Black Women Leaders At Nonprofit National Associations Of Regulatory Boards, Alba Gisel Ayala

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed a critical knowledge gap among clinical staff regarding the application of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) within a local health department. Although SDOH screening tools and the statewide NCCARE 360 referral system were in place, inconsistent use hindered integration into patient care and limited efforts to advance health equity. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model and the ADDIE instructional framework, an educational intervention was developed and implemented to enhance staff knowledge, confidence, and integration of SDOH principles into workflow. Thirty-five clinical staff members participated in pre- and post-intervention assessments. Data …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Competency Of Behavioral Health Technicians In Vital Sign Technique, Ashley Buescher

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Untreated hypertension or hypotension can lead to serious health problems, including death. Proper technique is essential when obtaining a blood pressure reading to improve patient safety. The goal of the quality improvement project was to improve competency in blood pressure technique by implementing standardized training. The initiative addressed discrepancies in blood pressure readings in the intake unit of a behavioral health hospital. Using the Stetler Model of Evidence-Based Practice and John Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, a single sample, pre-post design was implemented over 4 weeks. The American Heart Association's blood pressure guidelines and the Teach-Back Observation Tool were used in …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Patient Appointment Adherence Through Staff Education On Health Literacy, Christine A. Johnson- Nganbou Kamkeu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Non-adherence to appointments remains an impediment to health continuity. It has been especially pervasive in rural settings. Numerous scholarly articles in the healthcare literature support enhancing health literacy in organizations and training in effective communication to promote patient appointment compliance. Hence, the purpose of the quality improvement (QI) project was not only to encourage appointment compliance but also to enhance the application of the Teach-Back Method through health literacy education. The theoretical perspective and practice application, according to Lewin’s Change Theory and the PDSA approach, included a four-week intervention period, during which the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) …

Quality Improvement Project: Responding Effectively With The Use Of A Defibrillator And Crash Cart: An Educational Intervention For Medical-Surgical Nurses, Josilyn Lusk

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Appropriate and timely use of a defibrillator and crash cart is essential for patient survival during cardiac arrest, yet many medical-surgical nurses report limited preparedness due to inconsistent, non-standardized training. The purpose of this DNP project is to evaluate the impact of a structured didactic and simulation-based educational intervention on nurses’ self-assessed preparedness to respond to life-threatening events and their perceptions of educational best practices. The aim of the project is to demonstrate measurable improvements in nurses’ self-reported preparedness in responding to emergent events and their perceptions of effective teaching and learning strategies. Guided by Tanner’s Model of Clinical Judgment …

Enhancing Emergency Department Staff Competency In Ultrasound-Guided Venous Access At A Rural Critical Access Hospital: A Quality Improvement Project, Ryan M. Sand

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Patients meeting difficult intravenous access (DIVA) criteria often experience multiple failed intravenous (IV) access attempts, delayed diagnostics, and treatment initiation, particularly in rural emergency departments with limited resources. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated whether targeted ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access training would improve staff self-efficacy, confidence, and self-reported procedural execution at a rural critical access hospital. Guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory, a quasi-experimental pre-/post-intervention design was implemented. Nurses and paramedics completed the validated Peripheral Intravenous Insertion Confidence Assessment before and after a didactic and psychomotor training program. Statistical analysis included an independent samples t-test …

Quality Improvement Project: Debriefing In Simulation With Improved Knowledge And Confidence, Rebecca Walker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Debriefing is a vital part of simulation and is critical to the students' learning in the simulation environment. It is essential for faculty that debriefers receive training in simulation concepts and in structuring debriefings. The purpose is to improve the simulation program at the project site by implementing a training course, and the project aims to enhance the faculty's confidence and address any knowledge gaps. The project design is a quasi-experimental study that features pre- and post-intervention surveys. Fifteen full-time nursing educators were surveyed, excluding faculty who do not teach in simulation. The intervention includes launching a SBL course and …

Quality Improvement Project Assessment Of Emergency Department Staff Knowledge On Use Of Emergency Severity Index In A Critical Access Hospital: Implementation Of Emergency Department-Based Education Program., Amanda Taylor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In rural emergency departments, accurate triage is vital to ensuring patient safety and maximizing limited resources. This quality improvement project aimed to strengthen triage practices by enhancing nurses’ understanding and confidence in using the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), a standardized tool for assessing patient acuity. Ten registered nurses at a seven-bed critical access hospital participated in a structured educational program, guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory. The intervention included hands-on training, real-world scenarios, and self-assessment surveys. After the program, nurses showed significant gains in both knowledge (mean scores rose from 70.0 to 88.9, p < .001) and confidence (from 13.5 to 23.2 out of 25). While the small sample size and short timeline were limitations, the results highlight the value of ongoing education in improving triage accuracy and patient care. This project offers a practical model for rural hospitals seeking to enhance emergency nursing practice and promote consistent, evidence-based decision-making.

Policy Project: Creating An Animal Assisted Therapy Policy For A College Of Nursing, Brooke Peyton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing students experience high levels of academic stress, anxiety, and burnout, which can negatively impact learning, professional development, and overall health. Evidence indicates that Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) has the potential to impact stress levels, improve community connection, and enhance overall well-being among nursing students. Many academic institutions lack structured policies to guide AAT programs into educational settings. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to develop a formal AAT policy for the College of Nursing with standardized procedures to implement an AAT program. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theoretical framework was used to guide the development of the …

Simulation Education Program For Medical Emergencies: Improving Facilitator Simulation Proficiency, Cari Kent

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project, Simulation Education Program for Medical Emergencies: Improving Facilitator Simulation Proficiency, addressed a critical gap in outpatient emergency preparedness among nursing leaders and facilitators. Despite established policies, many ambulatory care staff reported feeling unprepared to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Guided by the PICOT question, among nursing leaders and facilitators (P), how does a simulation education program in emergency care scenarios (I), compared to current education practices (C), impact simulation proficiency and effectiveness (O)? This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of structured simulation-based education on the competence of facilitators. Using a pre- and …

Quality Improvement Project Step Into Serenity: How Walking Can Ease Stress For Nursing Faculty, Stefanie Martinez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement project explored whether incorporating scheduled walk breaks could help reduce perceived stress among accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) faculty. High levels of stress and burnout continue to affect nursing educators and contribute to faculty turnover and workforce shortages. The goal of this project was to promote physical activity as a simple and accessible approach to supporting well-being and fostering a healthier work environment. Grounded in George Engel’s Biopsychosocial Model of Health, this project introduced an educational session on faculty stress, burnout, and the benefits of walking. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) before and …

Quality Improvement Project: Creation Of An Ebp Healthy Lifestyle Program: An Evidence-Based Development Program, Devanee Ray

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing education is the foundation of healthcare itself. However, several things influence nursing students’ academic success. A lack of overall health habits is a significant contributor. Generally, this lack is due to a lack of education. The goal of this quality improvement Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) project was to develop an educational program that addresses the identified knowledge gaps. The aim was to develop the program to promote student success and pilot-test the program to determine its impact among masters-level nursing faculty. Using Lewin’s Change Theory and Orem’s theory of self-care, the educational program was piloted over a seven-week …

Staff Education To Improve Clinical Staff Knowledge Of The Social Determinants Of Health In A Public Health Setting, Alba Gisel Ayala

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed a critical knowledge gap among clinical staff regarding the application of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) within a local health department. Although SDOH screening tools and the statewide NCCARE 360 referral system were in place, inconsistent use hindered integration into patient care and limited efforts to advance health equity. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model and the ADDIE instructional framework, an educational intervention was developed and implemented to enhance staff knowledge, confidence, and integration of SDOH principles into workflow. Thirty-five clinical staff members participated in pre- and post-intervention assessments. Data …

Staff Education For Nurses To Increase Nursing Staff Knowledge On Hospital-Acquired Infection Prevention, Mimi M. Farride

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focused on a staff education initiative aimed at reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in healthcare settings. HAIs contribute to patient morbidity, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Despite established infection control policies, inconsistencies in adherence had highlighted the need for targeted education. The central practice question guiding this project, conducted in a hospital setting, was, “How did implementing a comprehensive infection prevention education program for healthcare staff influence their knowledge?” The primary goal was to educate staff with the skills needed to minimize infection risks and enhance patient outcomes through effective prevention techniques. …

Educating Staff On Hourly Rounding Toward Fall Prevention In A Long-Term Care Facility, Princess Aminata Kanu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The identified problem at the project site facility was rising incidences of patient falls, which was attributed to insufficient staff knowledge of evidence-based strategies for preventing falls, including purposeful hourly rounding (PHR). Research has demonstrated that PHR effectively reduces the risk of falls among patients by allowing clinicians to proactively address patient needs. The purpose of this staff education project was to enhance healthcare providers’ knowledge of PHR and its role in fall prevention. The practice-focused question that guided this project was: For staff in a long-term care facility, will training on hourly rounding increase knowledge toward the goal of …