Exploring Available Admission Criteria For A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing/Midwifery: A Scoping Review, Jackline Estomihi Kiwelu, Aminieli Usiri, Gadiel Ketto, Tumbwene Mwansisya, Eunice Pallangyo

Libraries

Background: Nursing and midwifery are crucial professions in healthcare systems, and the availability of well-trained professionals in these fields contributes to achieving global and national health goals. The process of equipping nurses and midwives with professional knowledge and skills starts with selecting candidates that are suitable for the profession, and able to complete nursing/midwifery education and become lifelong learners.

Objective: This study aimed to identify and document currently available admission criteria for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing/Midwifery.

Methods: This scoping review used Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework to explore admission criteria for BSc in Nursing/Midwifery …

Evaluating What Works: A Comparison Of Five Diabetes Prevention Programs For Latino Children, Ruchi Patel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Background: Children in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) are at increased risk of diabetes due to limited access to effective, culturally appropriate prevention programs. Existing programs are often time-intensive, require transportation, and lack cultural relevance, reducing participation and impacting outcomes. This project aimed to evaluate diabetes prevention programs (DPPs) in the literature and identify five that may benefit children in the RGV by reducing diabetes risk.

Methodology: The Eightfold Path policy analysis approach guided this project. A literature review identified DPPs for children, and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used to assess study quality. Limitations included difficulty finding …

Quality Improvement Project Advancing Success In Nursing Education: An Evidence-Based Approach To Remediation, Jessica Wilson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing education requires intense academic work, which creates specific obstacles for learner achievement. The improvement of academic results in BSN 346 and similar high-stakes courses remains essential for maintaining learner retention, graduation success, and practice readiness. This quality improvement project assessed how evidence-based remediation with structured implementation compared to traditional voluntary remediation methods. The research investigated whether faculty-led evidence-based remediation meetings would enhance BSN 346 learner success through concept map score assessment. A retrospective pre-/post-intervention study analyzed concept map performance between two learner groups from Spring 2025, who received standard remediation, and Summer 2025, who received structured remediation. The researchers …

Anxiety During Perimenopause: A Narrative Qualitative Study Of The Women’S Lived Experiences, Kayla Mcelhany

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Abstract

Objectives: Perimenopause has been associated with increased anxiety symptoms. However, data is lacking regarding the experiences of women with perimenopausal anxiety and the contributing factors to worsening anxiety symptoms. We explored the experiences of women with self-reported new onset or worsening of anxiety symptoms during perimenopause to better understand contributing factors.

Study design: Twenty women participated in one-on-one interviews to explore experiences of perimenopausal anxiety in the context of their daily lives and perimenopausal physical changes. Inductive thematic analysis was used to develop codes and themes from the transcribed interview data. Analysis was done using MAXQDA software.

Main …

Dominican Republic Medical Mission Trip 2025, Julianna Wolff, Carla Kosorog

HLTHS 1800 Global Healthcare Initiatives: Dominican Republic 2025 Documents

This medical mission trip was located within the Dominican Republic in the

La Ciénaga area.

- The predominant language spoken is Dominican Spanish. However, many

students learn a combination of French and English throughout their

schooling.

- As explained throughout this presentation, access to healthcare ranges

from minimal to none within this region of the Dominican Republic.

Reducing Suicide Ideation Through Healthcare Provider Training In The Use Of The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-Ssrs) In A Rural Community Mental Health Clinic, Lashunda R. Lewis

Doctoral Projects

This doctoral project aimed to address the inconsistent and inadequate assessment of suicide risk by healthcare professionals in a Rural Community Clinic. Staff members do not comprehensively understand the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale and vary in how they screen patients before the intervention. When we looked at the baseline, we found that only 45% of charts contained suicide risk screening, and C-SSRS was used in only 5% of cases. Some of the main obstacles reported were not properly training staff and keeping patients from sharing their thoughts on this subject.

The main objective of the doctoral project was to test …

Titer-First Vaccination Protocol In An Employee Health Clinic, Obehi Dickson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose:

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the clinical and financial outcomes of implementing a titer-first vaccination protocol for new employees at an Employee Health Clinic. This project sought to improve cost-effectiveness and reduce unnecessary vaccinations.

Background:

This project was conducted at a large healthcare organization in Houston, Texas, to address the cost burden of traditional vaccination protocols. Pre-vaccination serologic testing helps identify existing immunity, reducing unnecessary vaccinations and overall clinic costs.

Methodology:

The titer-first vaccination protocol includes serologic testing for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella, and hepatitis B, followed by vaccine administration for those without immunity. Data …

An Evaluation Of Training Strategies Among Healthcare Professionals During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study, Darshani D. Singh

Theses & Dissertations

Background: During Spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily displaced healthcare workers from suspended clinical work areas to inpatient critical care areas. Nurses were rapidly uptrained for unfamiliar roles in critical care using a variety of instructional formats.

Purpose: The purpose of this survey study was to evaluate the effectiveness of eight training strategies on healthcare workers' perceived competence, confidence, and satisfaction during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective, investigator-developed survey study examined the effectiveness of eight training strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic on three outcomes for professional registered nurses. The three outcomes were self-reports …

Culturally Centered, Primary Care Interventions For Effective Weight Management Goals In Hispanic/Latino Children, Remigio Acevedo

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE To implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a clinic-based childhood obesity intervention program for Hispanic/Latino children.

BACKGROUND From 1975 to 2016, childhood obesity rates have more than quadrupled, affecting Hispanic/Latino families the most. Growing evidence suggests that incorporating the family unit and utilizing culturally centered weight management interventions can be cost-effective and pragmatic compared to a standard, generic approach.

METHODOOLOGY A quality improvement project was initiated to provide information on the degree of success of a clinic-based childhood obesity program for Hispanic/Latino children and their parents. The intervention focused on delivering a culturally centered health promotion message based on …

Measuring The Impact Of The Australian National Placement Evaluation Centre To Enhance Nursing And Midwifery Student Clinical Placements: A Multimodal Evaluation, Colleen Ryan, Robyn Cant, Areum Hyun, Debbie Procter, Louise Alexander, Dianne Bloxsome, Lynda Hughes, Fiona Bogossian, Simon Cooper

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To evaluate the early impact of the Centre. Background: The educational quality of nursing and midwifery student clinical placement learning varies. The National Placement Evaluation Centre has a pivotal role in quality improvement by systematically collecting student and supervisor feedback on placement experiences. Design: Multimodal impact evaluation. Methods: Data were collected from website analytics and a survey shared via stakeholder registration emails and social media. The Impact Management Planning and Evaluation Ladder model was used to understand impact. Data were analysed using a sequential, hybrid inductive/deductive approach. Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics and qualitative data were themed. Results: Website …

The Lived Experiences Of Fathers With Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Study, Rachael Elizabeth Schmitz

Nursing and Health Sciences

Background:

Although parents may joyfully anticipate the birth of a child, it's impossible for them to know ahead of time just how profoundly their lives will change. Postpartum depression (PPD) can result. While there is a substantial body of research regarding maternal PPD, paternal PPD has received far less attention and is neither adequately understood nor diagnosed. This is exacerbated by outdated but persistent sociocultural masculinity norms and the stigmas around mental health issues.

Purpose:

This study sought to explore the lived experiences of new fathers with PPD in order to provide greater insight into their experiences.

Methods:

This qualitative …

Enhancing Postpartum Depression Screening Rates: An Educational Intervention For Primary Care Pediatric Providers: A Quality Improvement Project, Jasmine Shaterra Jones

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project sought to increase postpartum depression (PPD) screening rates at a single pediatric primary care practice setting by implementing an educational intervention for pediatric providers. Postpartum depression is a common and debilitating mental health condition affecting many mothers worldwide. Postpartum depression impacts many women in the United States and affects all ethnicities, although rates may vary based on demographic and socioeconomic factors. Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for maternal PPD screening at one, two, four, and six months, well-child visits, national screening rates remain low, with a large number of cases undiagnosed. The current …

Evaluation Of A Nurse Practitioner-Led Preoptimization Care Management Program’S Impact On Patient Satisfaction For Total Hip And Knee Arthroplasty, Bryttany Chambers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This evaluation project aimed to assess whether the nurse practitioner-led preoptimization care management program can increase patient satisfaction by improving the quality metrics, such as same-day ambulation post-surgery, discharge to home, and compliance in preoperative education. The evaluation retroactively reviewed 46 charts of primary total knee and hip arthroplasty patients, male (38%) and female (62%), aged 43 to 84. Using Fisher’s exact test to examine the Net Promoter Scores (NPS) for six months of the PCM program, there was no significant increase in patient satisfaction scores, despite PCM patients averaging 89% compared to non-PCM patients at 83%, based on an …

Development And Implementation Of An Ob/L&D Sbar Framework To Enhance Communication Between Obstetric Nurses And Anesthesia Providers: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Jenna E. Bigam, Laina J. Uzarski

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Effective communication between obstetric (OB) nurses and anesthesia providers is critical to ensure patient safety during epidural placements in labor and delivery (L&D) settings. At a large teaching hospital, communication gaps were identified when OB nurses requested anesthesia for epidural placements without consistently providing vital patient information. The lack of structured communication can result in important details being overlooked, which may lead to delays in care and potential patient harm. To address this, the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication framework was implemented to standardize and improve information exchange. This Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) project aimed to enhance …

A Pilot Structured Mentorship Program To Increase Pediatric Advanced Practice Provider Engagement At An Academic Institution, Erica Annotti, Dnp, Aprn, Pnp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Introduction/Purpose: Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) transitioning into academic healthcare often face challenges related to role clarity, professional identity, and emotional support, which can hinder their engagement and retention. This quality improvement project aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a structured mentorship pilot program for pediatric APPs to increase work engagement by 10%.

Methods: Grounded in the Strong Model for Advanced Practice and Wagner’s Caring Mentorship Framework, the project employed a mixed-methods QI design. Four pediatric APPs (n=4) participated in an 8-week structured mentorship program. Interventions included the intentional pairing of mentors and mentees, biweekly one-on-one sessions, and targeted professional development …

Educating Nurse Practitioners On Music-Based Interventions: An Evidence-Based Project, La’Keshia Henderson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Arts-based interventions (ABIs) harness the transformative power of art to enhance processes or situations, particularly those related to physiological, emotional, and psychological well-being. There are three types of arts-based interventions: visual, literary, and performing arts. Among these, music therapy, a form of performing arts intervention, has gained recognition as an effective approach for addressing mental health challenges. Music therapy has shown promise in reducing anxiety symptoms, offering a non-invasive and accessible form of support within ABI strategies. Purpose: This project assessed changes in nurse practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as their intentions to utilize music-based interventions in …

Implementation Of A Zen Room To Decrease Perceived Stress: A Quality Improvement Project, Michelle Tat

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Introduction: This quality improvement project addresses a lack of quiet space for staff to de-stress. The goal was to create a Zen room at a substance abuse treatment facility to decrease self-perceived stress in staff by 15% within three months.

Methodology: The PDSA cycle was applied to the creation of a Zen room. Stress was measured with questions from the Perceived Stress Scale at baseline, entry, and exit. 23 participants recorded Zen room entry. Limitations included small sample size and exit survey attrition. Implementation challenges included budget issues and low response rates. Stress levels were compared at baseline, room entry, …

Improving Hiv Pep Patient Follow-Up Appointment And Laboratory Testing In A Telehealth Setting: A Quality Improvement Project, Ralston Lockett

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The ongoing HIV epidemic in the United States highlights the need for innovative prevention strategies, including non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP). This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated a telehealth-based intervention aimed at increasing HIV PEP follow-up appointments and laboratory completion rates, while also enhancing provider knowledge. Dual interventions included a patient reminder system and provider education. While provider knowledge significantly improved post-intervention, based on Cohen’s d effect size of 0.62, clinical significance was demonstrated by follow-up appointment rates declining from 44% pre-intervention to 41% post-intervention. Laboratory completion rates also decreased, with 53% of patients completing labs pre-intervention compared to …

The Impact Of Mindfulness Therapy To Reduce Disruptive Behavior In High School, Wendy Peters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this project was to determine the impact and effectiveness of Gina Biegel’s mindfulness techniques for stressed teens method on adolescent anxiety and the disruptive symptoms that lead to high school adolescents being assigned to detention. This project described a quantitative correlational design research project that investigated a small adolescent sample size, with a goal of decreasing the number of local high school adolescent students who are repeat detention offenders, by implementing Gina Biegel’s mindfulness techniques for stressed teens method on those high school adolescents who were assigned to detention. This was achieved by collecting demographic data from …

Organizational Health Literacy In Pediatric Cardiovascular Programs, Eva Gomez

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Health literacy refers to a person’s ability to access, understand and use health-related information in order to effectively manage one's health and navigate healthcare experiences. This responsibility does not rest solely upon the individual; healthcare organizations also have a vital role in assisting individuals in accessing, understanding and using health information through their interactions with the healthcare system. Organizational health literacy (OHL) can serve as a strategy to ensure that all individuals have equitable access to health information and services. The Ten Attributes of a Health Literate Healthcare Organization established the foundational principles of organizational health literacy. The present study …

The Lived Experiences Of Navajo Nurses During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Stephnie Ann Leeson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When COVID-19 was diagnosed on the Navajo Nation, the impact on the people and the healthcare system was not understood. For almost three years, Navajo healthcare workers battled what was known to the Navajo as Dikos Nitsaaígíí Náhást’éíts’áadah, translated as The Big Cough. The Navajo Nation President, Jonathan Nez, referred to it as a Monster, as did many people in the Navajo Nation. Navajo nurses on the frontlines battled the monster daily as they saw friends and relatives succumb to the insidious disease. Much has been written about nurses off the reservations working on the frontline during the pandemic. However, …

Compassionate Self-Care For Nurses And Midwives: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Study, Mary Steen, Shwikar Othman, Jennifer Fereday, Annette Briley, Qunyan Xu, Rachael Vernon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Awareness of being kind and compassionate to yourself is often overlooked despite emerging evidence that high levels of self-compassion decrease levels of anxiety and improves well-being. Aim: To explore what being compassionate to yourself means to nurses and midwives and increase knowledge and understanding of how self-compassion may enhance well-being. Methods: Mixed methods study design was utilised to investigate and explore the influence of self-compassion on nurses and midwives' well-being. Phase 1 involved quantitative data collection and analysis. Phase 2 qualitative data were collected to expand on quantitative results. Results: Fifty-four participants responded to a pre-workshop questionnaire, 55 completed …

Enhancing Person-Centred Care In The Final Years Of Life: Insights From Emergency Department Visits And Hospitalisations In Victorian Residential Aged Care (2015/16 To 2022/23), Janine J. Alan, Bridget Laging, Peter Cameron, Rohan Laging, James Boyd, Davina Porock, Sean Randall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To explore emergency hospitalisations from Victorian residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of Victorian RACFs transfers to ED from 2015/16 to 2022/23. Main outcome measures: (1) ED event rate per 100 RACF beds; (2) Number of ED events, day/time, triage category, reason, comorbidity profile, length of stay, death within 12 months of ED presentation and costs; (3) Relationship between resident characteristics and total ED events; (4) Number of inpatient events, comorbidity profile, length of stay, intensive care use, preventable hospitalisations, diagnosis-related group, deaths and costs. Results: The rate of ED presentations from Victorian RACFs from 2015/16 …

Hearing From Working Nurses: Incorporating Real-World Knowledge Practices Into The Framework To Better Instruct Tomorrow's Healthcare Professionals, Anne R. Diekema, Elizabeth (Betsy) S. Hopkins, Britt Fagerheim, Brandon Patterson, Nena Schvaneveldt

Faculty Publications

There is a certain duality to the role of librarians in higher education as the job requires preparing students for their current academic work, such as doing research for writing papers, while at the same time preparing students for their future professional information work. Librarians seeking guidance on teaching information literacy more comprehensively are left to study the professional standards of the targeted professional group, and find or carry out research on these practitioners. Synthesizing and translating these findings into instructional approaches while staying true to existing information literacy standards, however, can be challenging. In this chapter we demonstrate how …

Knowledge And Perceptions Of Modifiable Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Among Indians: Scoping Review, Kunwar Kaur, Ma'en Zaid Abu-Qamar, Amineh Rashidi, Nilufeur Mckay, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) causes a significant number of deaths globally. India has the highest IHD burden, with cases up 138% since 1990. Individuals of Indian descent face a greater risk of early IHD and poorer long-term outcomes. Indian people typically develop IHD a decade earlier than other populations, with 52% of IHD-related deaths occurring before the age of 70, compared to 23% in Western populations. Aims: This review aims to synthesise evidence on the Indian population's knowledge and perceptions of modifiable IHD risk factors and identify literature gaps. Methods: Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the Preferred Reporting …

Providing An Evidence-Based Miscarriage Care Education Program For Nurses Caring For Women Experiencing An Early Pregnancy Loss, Kailee Draz

DNP Projects

Objective
Women often seek emergency care during an early pregnancy loss. Unfortunately, research shows that women are overwhelmingly dissatisfied with their miscarriage care due to lack of support and guidance, provider knowledge, communication and follow-up care. Mishandled miscarriage situations can cause women to suffer physical and psychological consequences. The purpose of this project was to discover if providing emergency room nursing staff with pregnancy loss bereavement education allows for enhanced support, knowledge, and confidence when caring for women experiencing pregnancy loss. The aim of the project is to measure if perceptions of ER registered nurses support, resources, knowledge, and confidence …

Determinants Influencing The Readiness Of Non-Medical Hospital Personnel To Perform Basic Life Support, Elin Hidayat, Suaib Suaib, I Made Rio Dwijayanto, Nur Aviva Pemasi, Ilne Ai Purana Adel

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

All healthcare personnel, including both medical and non-medical staff within hospitals, are expected to possess the capability to administer Basic Life Support (BLS) in order to provide immediate assistance during emergencies. However, many non-medical hospital staff remain unprepared to perform BLS due to a lack of knowledge, willingness, and confidence. This study aims to identify the factors affecting the preparedness of non-medical hospital staff in carrying out BLS at Undata Hospital, a healthcare facility in Central Sulawesi. This research employed quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample comprised 103 non-medical respondents selected through total sampling. Data were collected through …

Implementation Of A Discharge Process For Pediatric Patients Hospitalized With Asthma Exacerbations To Improve Post-Discharge Follow-Up, Emiko N. Dudley

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

This quality improvement project aimed to improve pediatric pulmonary outpatient follow-up after hospital discharge for pediatric patients hospitalized with asthma exacerbations through the implementation of a standardized discharge process designed to improve communication, education, and care coordination.

Background

The project was completed in acute care and intermediate care units within a women's and children’s hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

Methodology

Following the IHI Improvement Model, serial PDSA cycles were completed over a 10-week period. An interprofessional team developed a standardized process map and interventions, including a discharge checklist, communication board, patient/family education, medications in hand at discharge, community asthma …

A Retrospective Data Analysis Of Factors Contributing To Surgical Patients Not Achieving Normothermia, Joseph P. O'Rourke Jr, Megan Casselberry

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Postoperative hypothermia, defined as a core temperature below 36°C, is a prevalent and underrecognized complication in surgical settings, contributing to increased patient morbidity, prolonged recovery, and higher healthcare costs. This program evaluation project aimed to identify and address factors contributing to intraoperative and postoperative hypothermia by retrospectively analyzing patient records from a local hospital’s EPIC electronic health record system. Guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Program Evaluation Model, the project systematically reviewed perioperative temperature management protocols and warming interventions across diverse surgical specialties. Data extraction and analysis focused on patient demographics, procedural variables, …

Cholinesterase Enzyme Association With Quality Of Life Among Farmers In Khong Chai District, Kalasin Province, Thailand, Supasin Deeraksa, Mayuree Suuwunnakhot, Khanittha Madngammuang

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

The agricultural sector in Thailand faces challenges that impact farmers' health and quality of life. This study examines the quality of life, cholinesterase enzyme levels, and factors associated with quality of life among farmers in Khong Chai District, Kalasin Province, Thailand. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using systematic random sampling. The respondents had a mean age of 54.97 ± 10.50 years (range 25–75 years) and comprised 75.56% females (n = 204), 24.44% males(n = 66). Data collection included demographic information, blood samples to assess cholinesterase enzyme safety levels, and responses to the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief-Thai …