Nursing Commons^™

The Impact Of Sleep Deprivation On Maternal Decision-Making And Risk-Taking Behavior, Stephanie Marea B. Martinez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Empowering Birth: Comparing Nurse-Led Holistic And Pharmacologic Pain Relief Approaches​, Jessica C. Moore

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Childbirth is often described as one of the most meaningful experiences in a woman’s life. During this time, effective pain management is essential not only for reducing discomfort, but also for improving maternal satisfaction and minimizing unnecessary obstetric interventions. While childbirth is frequently approached as a purely physical process, it is inherently holistic, influenced by cultural, social, psychological, and emotional factors.

Growing evidence highlights the value of incorporating and educating patients and providers on non-pharmacologic strategies such as breathing techniques, massage, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, positioning ,ambulation, and continuous emotional support.

For example, a study in Sweden that found that a group …

Developing A Nursing Early-Intervention Bundle To Decrease The Prevalence Of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, Aneesha Biju

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) has become an increasingly recognized challenge in critical care as more patients survive prolonged mechanical ventilation and lengthy ICU stays. Although lifesaving interventions support recovery from the primary illness, many patients develop new or worsened physical, cognitive, or psychological impairments after discharge. These complications often limit independence, slow recovery, and create long-term burdens for both patients and families. Research shows that early, consistent nursing interventions, such as delirium prevention, early mobility, mental health support, and family communication, can reduce the risk of PICS. The absence of a unified and standardized approach results in inconsistent practices and …

The Effects Of Strong Social And Parental Support Compared To Low Or Absent Support In Lgbtqia+ Youth Mental Health, Kassandra Bautista

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Throughout history, sexual and gender minorities have faced a range of emotional and psychological challenges shaped by their unique experiences and interactions with society, family, and peers. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), homosexuality was classified as a sociopathic personality disturbance in the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-I) in 1952, and it remained listed as a mental disorder until it was removed in 1973. Individuals that identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other identities within the LGBTQIA+ community were historically seen as abnormal and were often subjected to ethically problematic …

Comparing Human Milk-Derived Vs Bovine-Derived Fortifiers In Formula-Fed Preterm Infants On The Incidence Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Maya C. Kern

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the leading causes of death in infants < 32 weeks gestation and/or < 1500g. Human breast milk lowers NEC rates through immunologic, microbial, and gut-protective mechanisms. When maternal or donor milk is unavailable, infants require formula with fortification but the safest type of fortifiers remains unclear. Bovine-derived fortifiers may increase gut inflammation; human milk-derived fortifiers may offer more protection. Limited research exists comparing these fortifiers when infants are exclusively formula fed. Determining if human milk-derived fortifiers still reduce NEC risk could influence NICU feeding guidelines and improve outcomes.

Developing An Educational Session And Epic-Based Tools To Help Nurses Provide Culturally Sensitive Care To Their Muslim Patients, Laila Albutmeh

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Islam is currently the fastest growing religion in the world. The chances of nurses getting Muslim patients are on a rise. Islam is not just a religion but a way of life that shapes/guides every aspect of human experience. With religion being such an important part in a Muslim's life, they need nurses to be able to provide them culturally sensitive care. Nurses can do this if they are equipped with the right knowledge and tools. Implementing educational resources on how to provide culturally sensitive care to Muslim patients for nurses to use will help them be able to provide …

The Impact Of Nurse-Led Distraction Techniques On Pain And Anxiety During Cancer Treatment In Pediatric Oncology Patients: Examining Virtual Reality And Play Therapy, Alexis Abalos

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience pain and anxiety during procedures such as port access or peripheral catheterization. Nurse-led distraction techniques, including virtual reality and play therapy, have emerged as promising non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. Existing data from primary and secondary research articles reveal the effectiveness of virtual reality and play therapy on reducing pain, anxiety, and psychosocial distress in pediatric oncology patients receiving cancer treatment. This study proposes a quasi-experimental design involving 90 pediatric oncology patients aged 6–12 years diagnosed with leukemia. Participants will be placed in a nurse-led VR distraction, play …

Effectiveness Of Post-Discharge Interventions Following Psychiatric Hospitalization On Readmissions And Suicide Prevention Among Adolescents, Maria Paz Eladia Posadas

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Suicide is a pervasive and far-reaching issue. Psychiatric hospitalization is often used as an intervention for individuals, including adolescents, experiencing suicidal ideation and/or behavior. However, post-discharge care may lack structure or clearly defined follow-up services, which can result in rehospitalizations and increased suicidality. Objective: The goal of the proposed research study is to investigate how implementation of peer support groups for adolescents following psychiatric hospitalization can assist in reducing readmissions and mitigating suicide risk. This can also help shape strategies for managing care after discharge. Method: The proposed research study utilizes a quantitative quasi-experimental design to determine the efficacy …

Paternal Involvement And Bonding In Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Evaluating Daily Caregiving, Emotional Well-Being, And Father-Infant Connection, Ava G. Kinyon

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Premature birth and serious neonatal conditions frequently require infants to obtain care in the NICU, producing psychological and emotional obstacles for families. Despite the fact that skin-to-skin contact has been extensively researched for its strengths in encouraging stability and bonding, there persists restricted importance and understanding on paternal participation in routine caregiving tasks such as feeding, diapering, temperature checks, and swaddling. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate paternal participation in daily NICU caregiving tasks to address gaps in comprehending how these experiences impact bonding and emotional well-being among fathers of hospitalized infants. Methods: This study will …

Effective Measurement-Based Care For Depression Within Va Health Systems: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Amie L. Doyle

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Depression is highly common among U.S. veterans, surpassing civilian rates. Measurement-Based Care (MBC), including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), facilitates systematic symptom monitoring and treatment enhancement. At Manchester VA Medical Center (VAMC), PHQ-9 completion in primary care was low (18.93% in May 2025) due to workflow inefficiencies, provider workload, and dependence on Mental Health Service Line (MHSL) referrals.

Local Problem: Underutilization of the PHQ-9 in primary care hampers early detection and effective treatment of depression among veterans.

Methods: Four primary care teams received training on using the Behavioral Health Laboratory (BHL) software, which facilitates pre-visit electronic completion of the …

Improving Transitions In Care: The Post-Discharge Follow-Up Process For Va Hospitalizations, Kristina Huntoon

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Transitions in care from hospitalization to home are a high-risk period for patients. Without care coordination during these transitions in care, patients are left trying to manage their care without any support. The VA has a mandated two-day post-discharge contact process that requires a member of the patient’s primary care team to contact the patient within two business days of a VA discharge.

METHODS: The Plan-Do-Study-Act method of quality improvement was used for this project. Baseline assessment included review of patient medical records for 15 months before the intervention, which included 27 discharges from unit 78C. The patient medical …

Enhancing Nursing Education: A Quality Improvement Project To Mitigate Incivility Among Faculty, Rebecca Mitschele

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Incivility among nursing faculty poses a significant challenge, adversely affecting job satisfaction, mental health, and communication within academic and clinical settings. This Quality Improvement (QI) project addressed this pervasive issue by identifying faculty incivility as a key contributor to high turnover rates and burnout in faculty and students. A mixed-methods approach assessed the prevalence and types of incivility displayed, including surveys and focus group discussions with faculty. The intervention included conflict resolution training, the establishment of an anonymous reporting mechanism, and the development of a framework to revise the faculty handbook specifically to address incidents of incivility. Post-intervention results indicated …

Promoting Student Retention Through Mandatory Remediation, Randi Mccoy

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP Project seeks to identify and evaluate among associate degree nursing (ADN) faculty, will implementing a pilot remediation policy, compared to the current remediation policy, impact faculty perception regarding exam remediation? Exam remediation is important as it helps students understand why they missed questions, how to improve on their next exam, provides guidance and confidence. It is also essential to determine whether required remediation for students after failing an exam promotes student retention, growth, and expansion at a local university in Oklahoma in the setting of an unprecedented program. Does adding required remediation after a failed exam offer students …

Improving Nursing Faculty's Self-Efficacy For Pre-Brief In High Fidelity Simulation: A Quality Improvement Project, Jamie Herron

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

High-fidelity simulation (HFS) effectively allows students to practice nursing care in a safe and controlled environment with fewer chances of error or harm. The Society of Simulation in Healthcare (2021) states that best practice standards include pre-briefing, evaluation during simulation, and debriefing. A standardized pre-briefing for faculty during nursing students' high-fidelity simulation was needed in an Oklahoma associate degree nursing (ADN) program. The Society of Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) evidence-based standards of practice include providing a pre-brief before starting a high-fidelity simulation, which decreases the student's anxiety and improves learning. The PICOT question, “How does education about pre-briefing in high-fidelity …

Quality Improvement Project: Reducing Ventilator Days: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Nurse-Led Mechanical Ventilation Liberation Protocol In Critical Care Units, Joseph Duncan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The present study investigated the effect of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ knowledge and confidence in managing mechanically ventilated patients’ weaning trials, and whether innovative education can improve these clinical interventions. Current practice relies on an antiquated provider-led protocol that does not account for the nurses’ skill level or practice autonomy. This oversight consistently leads to ventilator associated complications including prolonged ventilation time, increase sedation infusion use and increase ICU length of stay. This study’s aim was to determine if innovative education could improve nursing knowledge and confidence related to ventilated patient care. Nurse participants (N=100) were randomly selected to …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Access To Early Intervention For Prediabetic Patients In Primary Care, Jude Abam

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Primary care frequently misdiagnoses prediabetes, which serves as a diabetes type 2 precursor, resulting in failed early treatment opportunities. A structured staff education program was the goal of the quality improvement project during the DNP implementation. The initiative addressed knowledge gaps alongside screening protocol standardization all to enhance early detection as well as intervention efforts. Using both Lewin’s Theory of Change and Kolb’s Theory of Experiential Learning, a pre-post-design was applied across seven weeks. Prediabetes screening and management, along with its risk factors, were taught to the staff. The demographic questionnaires helped in assessing the knowledge and self-efficacy of the …

Quality Improvement Project - Virtual Escape Rooms: A Teaching Strategy For Nurse Educators, Alisha Mcafee

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Virtual escape rooms (VERs) are an active learning activity that engages students with learning materials while applying theory and knowledge to life-like patient scenarios. Nursing faculty at one nursing program required education about VER development. The problem identified for this quality improvement (QI) project was the lack of knowledge of the nursing faculty on the use and development of this active learning strategy. This QI project aimed to enhance nurse faculty knowledge and ability to utilize VERs within their courses. Faculty participated in an educational session about VERs. Completion of a pre-and post-questionnaire took place. Three Likert-scale questions were asked …

Point-Of-Care Lab Testing Reduces Lab Turn Around Times And Decreases Delays In Treatment, Arkayla Beamon

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this doctoral project was to explore workflows associated with the preanalytical phase of the lab diagnostic process in a one-hundred-bed long-term acute care hospital, identify the most common errors that occur, and explore the effect of point-of-care lab testing (POCT) education on a reduction in treatment delays. More specifically, the project aims to answer the following question: In nurses, unit clerks, and respiratory therapists what is the impact of POC education on lab diagnostic delays in a long-term acute care hospital over six months?

Enhancing Simulation Debriefing In Nursing Education: A Quality Improvement Project, Rebecca L. Ray

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project is of utmost importance as it aims to significantly enhance the debriefing process after simulations in an Associate Registered Nursing Program. The project is designed to equip nursing instructors with a comprehensive guide to facilitate debriefing after simulations, thereby improving student learning outcomes, fostering reflection, and enhancing clinical practice. The lack of consistent and practical guidance during the debriefing process after simulation exercises has been identified as a critical challenge in the nursing program. Without proper guidance, the debriefing process may not achieve its intended outcomes, underscoring the necessity of this project. The intervention at …

Nurses Confidence And Knowledge Improvement For Sleep In Sleep Hygiene Education, Rawda Nourain

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this DNP project was to increase the knowledge and self-confidence of nurses in relation to sleep hygiene practices for psychiatric patients to improve sleep quality and overall mental health. In this study, a pre- and post-intervention design was used for four nurses in a psychiatric unit. The intervention was comprised of teaching the patients about sleep hygiene practices, altering the environment (light and noise reduction), and using non-drug approaches. Knowledge assessments and self-confidence surveys were used to collect the data. All the participants were able to recall the correct sleep hygiene knowledge after the intervention, and all …

An Exploration Of The Clinical Senior Nursing Student Preceptor Relationship, Kimberly Nicole Dunker

Dissertations

Problem

The use of clinical preceptors for training is well documented in the literature as an effective strategy for helping students, new graduates, and RNs orient to their roles in healthcare facilities. The need to ensure that the preceptor is adequately trained and then matched to a preceptee for a successful relationship is a challenge. The healthcare facility does its best to identify a preceptor and ensure adequate training is completed and there is a willingness to facilitate the experience. The academic institution is required to ensure that preceptors are chosen based on criteria outlined by the board of nursing …

Optimizing Compression In Venous Leg Ulcers To Improve Wound Healing Rates Through Wound Care Nurse Support: A Quality Improvement Project, Temilola Obisesan

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are the most common lower extremity ulcers, accounting for 75% of chronic leg wounds and affect up to 2% of the population in developing countries. Generally, it has a 1-year recurrence rate of 40-70%. VLUs costs about $11B in the USA and other developed countries annually. Patients with VLUs spend about $7,000 more annually. Compression therapy along with local wound care is the best approach for VLU management, with compression therapy as the gold standard. Currently, compression therapy is underutilized in VLU care. The goal of this QI project is to provide wound nurses who …

Feeding With Competence: Empowering Parents In Ng Feeding For Nicu Graduates: A Quality Improvement Project, Karen Marsh

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Infants who are born prematurely stay in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until they are able to take full enteral nutrition by mouth. While in the NICU a nasogastric tube (NG tube) would be used to supplement the volume needed to be ingested for optimal nutrition. Infants typically feed better with a consistent caregiver and at home in an environment with less stimulation. Allowing infants to be discharged with an NG tube allows the parents to be more involved in their infant's care with a shorter hospital stay. An increased number of infants being discharged home with …

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Improve Nurse Reassessment And Documentation Of Administered Prn Pain Medication, Stacy L. Brady

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Effective pain management remains a critical challenge both globally and with the United States, where more than 51 million adults suffer from pain. Veterans are particularly vulnerable due to the lasting impact of service-related injuries. “Pro re nata” (PRN or “as needed”) pain medications are frequently used to manage pain, but timely reassessment and documentation following a PRN pain medication administered is often missed or delayed. Reassessing and documenting the results after the administration of the PRN pain medication is required by The Joint Commission and the Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System’s (VAPHS) standard operating procedure (SOP) states reassessment …

Implementation Of Outpatient Cervical Ripening In The Community Hospital Setting: A Quality Improvement Process, April St Hilaire

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Cervical ripening is a critical component of labor induction. Outpatient cervical ripening using mechanical dilators offers a safe patient- centered alternative to inpatient management, with potential benefits in efficiency and patient satisfaction and cost savings.

Local Problem: At a community hospital setting with increasing induction rates, prolonged admission-to-delivery times and prolonged patient stays were observed in patients undergoing inpatient cervical ripening, prompting a need for more efficient, patient centered approaches.

Methods: Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, an outpatient cervical ripening protocol was implemented over a 15-week period to compare inpatient versus outpatient cervical ripening using mechanical …

Skills Evaluation Of Adjunct Nursing Faculty: A Quality Improvement Project, Ada Dimino Luong

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

BACKGROUND: With rising student enrollment, colleges and universities are relying more on adjunct clinical nursing faculty as Clinical Nurse Educators (CNEs). Recruiting and retaining qualified CNEs is essential to high-quality clinical education. Although clinically proficient, CNEs may face challenges with teaching methods, instructional strategies, and formative feedback. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated CNE’s competencies and developed a sustainable multimedia educational tool to enhance feedback skills in clinical education.

METHODS: The Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Skill Acquisition Tool (ACNESAT), a validated 40-item Likert-scale instrument created by Shellenbarger and Sebach, was used to assess CNE competencies. Pre and post intervention …

Optimizing Electronic Health Record Capability To Provide Mindfulness Education To Oncology Patients Experiencing Anxiety, Cynthia Arcieri

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: The impact of a cancer diagnosis is significant. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported over 1.6 million new cases of cancer (National Institutes of Health, 2023). Non-traditional approaches to supporting patients should be considered in providing high-quality cancer care. Mindfulness can help reduce stress reactions and may be beneficial for individuals with anxiety (Vinci et al., 2019). To best support patient care in the landscape of mobile health (mHeatlh) technology, it is essential to adopt best practices that promote patient engagement and empowerment.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to provide oncology patients with a cognitive …

A Quality Improvement Project To Enhance Chronic-Condition And Self-Care Knowledge In Adolescents With Spina Bifida, Ann Paris

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Spina Bifida is the most common central nervous system disorder in the United States (CDC, 2024). Even with early surgical repair, patients may have chronic, disabling, multisystem needs (Phillips et al., 2017). Adequate care of Spina Bifida requires a multidisciplinary approach. As such, patients with spina bifida require multiple specialty providers, clinic appointments, care-tasks, and interventions (CDC, 2024, Phillips, et al., 2017). Synthesizing information from multiple care providers can be daunting, especially for adolescents as they grow more autonomous in their care, and especially as they enter the age of pediatric-to-adult transition (Psihogios et al., 2015).

Purpose: …

Improving End-Of-Life Care: A Nursing Education Initiative, Spring C. Kingsley

DNP Projects

Background: This study addresses the gap in education and training for medical intensive care unit (MICU) nurses regarding the care of hospice patients. The traditional medical model of healthcare prioritizes illness treatment, often leading to inadequate end-of-life support and increased hospitalization during patients' final days. The rise of in-hospital hospice programs, or scatter-bed hospice models, highlights the need for nurses to enhance their skills in providing end-of-life compassionate care. The MICU at the University of Kentucky’s Chandler Hospital serves as a focal point for this initiative, given its role in caring for critically ill patients who require hospice attention.

Purpose: …

Development Of An Educational Toolkit For Washington State Nursing Professionals Regarding Climate-Related Impacts On Health, Margaret "Maggie" Pinson

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Most healthcare professionals (HCPs) know that climate change poses a serious threat to human health, but few physicians and nurses actually discuss climate-related impacts on health with their patients. This knowledge-practice gap poses a risk to patient safety.

PROBLEM: Patients who are unaware of environmental threats to health may develop new illnesses, experience unnecessary exacerbations of underlying health problems and may die.

METHODS: A quality improvement intervention that addressed the educational needs of HCPs as described in the literature was developed and hosted on an online survey platform.

INTERVENTION: Preintervention survey questions captured baseline attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge. The …