Nursing Commons^™

Examining The Relationship Of Simulation To Nursing Communication Competency: A Quantitative, Causal-Comparative, Retrospective Study, Patresha Pamella Pearson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative, retrospective study investigated the impact of simulation-based education on nurse communication competence by evaluating communication skills between two groups of recently graduated and licensed registered nurses while controlling for total experience hours. Though nursing communication competence significantly impacts patient care outcomes, few studies have addressed the impact of simulation on the communication competence of licensed nurses practicing in the clinical setting. The study was conducted in the clinical setting with 78 participants divided between two categorical groups of recently graduated and licensed registered nurses depending on the proportion of simulation-based education received during clinical experience requirements. The …

The Lived Experiences Of Male Nurses In Nursing Education: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, James Robert Nolin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of male nurses currently in nursing academia to determine what attributes draw them and keep them in academic roles. The phenomenon was viewed through the lens of interpersonal relations theory, social learning theory, and hermeneutic phenomenology, looking for similarities and differences to discover the population’s views, beliefs, and experiences. The sample included 21 male nurses currently teaching in nursing programs. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and observations collected through field notes allowed for an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of male nursing faculty. The data were analyzed …

Virtual Reality Mindfulness For Nursing Stress And Burnout, Rebecca Jean Cantrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Burnout has been a term that has been researched since the 1970’s; however, it has been noted that throughout the past few years there has been increased burnout amongst healthcare workers. Mindfulness has been researched as a tool to decrease burnout and stress. The delivery of mindfulness activity has been completed through different avenues such as in-person and virtual. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality mindfulness experiences and the burnout rates amongst nursing staff in the ambulatory units of a VA Healthcare System. Six nursing staff members volunteered to participate in the …

Empowering Staff Through Trauma-Informed Care: A Quality Improvement Initiative For Enhancing Patient Satisfaction And Care Delivery, Ijezie G. Anozie

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

The quality improvement project aimed to implement a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) care delivery model to increase patient satisfaction with their hospital experience. Increasing patient satisfaction was measured by the Net Promoter Score (NPS), and improvement would be evidenced by an increase of 40% (NPS) within four months of the implementation of trauma-informed care (TIC) principles in the inpatient psychiatric facility. The NPS served as a proxy measure for the successful implementation of this quality improvement project. The intervention integrated TIC training through the HealthStream platform, a skills fair, interactive sessions, a guidebook, and continuous data monitoring. Weekly meetings, educational materials, …

Enhancing Disaster Response Competencies In Nursing Education Through Simulation-Based Training: An Integrated Literature Review, Paul Dreater

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Objectives: This integrated literature review aimed to identify and prioritize disaster management education content to equip undergraduate and graduate nursing students with the necessary knowledge and skills for competent disaster response.

Data sources and review method: A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar, Fusion, and Scopus, using keywords such as disaster nursing, disaster preparedness, simulation, education, and mass casualty incidents. Filters restricted results to English-language studies from the past ten years within nursing education. Selected articles were reviewed and summarized to address the research question: What are the essential disaster …

Improving Diabetes Self-Management Skills Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Through Weekly Education, Carthia Joachim

Dissertations

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is one of the major health issues worldwide, which has led to many health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage that leads to limb amputation, kidney damage, and even death (Sameer et al., 2020). Lack of self-care management is one of the reasons diabetes is becoming such an issue in society. Studies have shown that T2DM outcomes can be improved by implementing diabetes self-management education (DSME) (Hailu et al., 2019). The study evaluated the effectiveness of DSME intervention in adult patients with T2DM over 12 weeks in Orlando, Florida. Using a structured education program, the …

Enhancing Disaster Preparedness In Nursing Education: A Quality Improvement Approach Using Simulation And Training, Paul Dreater

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Natural or artificial disasters threaten safety and continuity in educational settings. The University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions (USF SONHP) identified a critical gap in its disaster preparedness, underscored by the absence of a comprehensive disaster plan. This shortfall highlights the need for an educational strategy encompassing disaster readiness and response, particularly given the potential for such events to cause substantial harm and disruption.

Local Problem: A gap analysis conducted at the USF SONHP revealed the lack of a structured disaster plan, underlining the urgent need for an initiative to develop and implement a comprehensive …

Effectiveness Of Mental Health Interventions For Adults With Cancer In The Us: An Integrative Review, Danielle Lee, Chelsea Ferguson

Master's Projects

The purpose of this review was to synthesize existing literature on the effects of mental health interventions for adult cancer patients following their initial diagnosis and to consolidate findings related to interventions addressing mental health conditions in this population. With the growing number of adults diagnosed with cancer, further research and the development of tailored mental health interventions are crucial to improving health outcomes.

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Medline Complete, and Health Source Nursing databases between January 2024 and February 2024. To ensure rigor, Toronto and Remington’s (2020) integrative review process was applied. The Johns Hopkins …

Exploring Hypertension Prevalence Through Perceived Health Beliefs, Sarah E. Wagman

Honors Capstones

Hypertension is a form of heart disease that is extremely prevalent, affecting many Americans. This disease manifests from countless risk factors often modifiable from an individual’s lifestyle behavior. Many health initiatives are understood by the public including healthy eating, exercise, and maintaining adequate health, but incidence continues to rise. To better understand this occurrence, a framework called the Health Belief Model is used to answer why individuals make the health decisions that they do in relation to hypertension. Participants in both individual, small group, and large group settings were invited to attend a Hypertension Awareness Event. Participants were asked to …

Health Services Monthly Educational Newsletter To Parents/Guardians, Dena L. Hinkle, Jennifer L. Fisher, Emily Garnett, Chelsea K. Mckee

Nursing Department Graduate Presentations/Conferences

This health services newsletter was created as an educational and information tool for parents/guardians of Will County School District 92. The intention of this project was to increase student compliance with health requirements, improve parental/guardian education regarding student health, and provide necessary student health education topics. The project began by completing a literature review which allowed for a thorough survey of existing information. The theoretical framework Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) serves as the foundation for this proposal, along with Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the School Nursing Practice Framework. The three graduate nursing students determined important educational …

Health Education Curriculum Effectiveness And The Role Of The School Nurse, Dena L. Hinkle, Jennifer L. Kilgos-Conwell, Dipika C. Patel, Christina R. Segal

Nursing Department Graduate Presentations/Conferences

Background: The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) identifies the teaching of health promotion, health literacy, and disease prevention as one of the practice principles of school nurses (NASN, 2024). The aim of this project was to examine how health education topics and curriculum in school districts is determined, who is teaching the curriculum, and if there is a role for the school nurse in the development, collaboration or teaching of the curriculum.

Purpose: The project investigated if school nurses are involved in the selection and/or teaching of the curriculum chosen by the district. Input from school nurses and physical …

Composting For Cleaner Air, Simi Benisty, Katie Bui, Narmin Solman, David Woo

Master's Projects and Capstones

The aim of this project was to address food waste at Mary's Kitchen by implementing a composting initiative to divert organic waste from landfills. The project took place in a nonprofit organization that serves food to the homeless, where the target population includes staff, volunteers, and clients of the kitchen. Key interventions involved creating educational materials on composting, recycling, and waste management, including flyers in both English and Spanish, as well as a QR code for easy access. Additionally, smaller, color-coded buckets were introduced to replace the 33-gallon bins, making waste sorting more manageable. Measures included staff and volunteer compliance …

Natural Medicine Use In Costa Rica, Elizabeth Krol

Honors Theses

This study explores the role of natural medicine in Costa Rican culture, while focusing on its historical, cultural, and clinical significance. With a literature review, ethnobotanical research, and a study abroad experience, this paper highlights the integration of natural, herbal medicine into modern healthcare. Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, with its varied microclimates and abundant medicinal plants, forms a strong foundation for traditional herbal medicine. Indigenous groups such as the BriBri and Cabécar contributed significantly to this legacy, which has evolved through interactions with European and Afro-Caribbean populations.

Research emphasizes the cultural importance of herbal medicine within the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, …

Impact Of Patient Psychoeducation On Medication Adherence In Bipolar Depression, Mary Nse Wellington

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The quality improvement (QI) project targeted patients with bipolar depression, aged 20–50 years, in an outpatient mental health setting who had the problem of nonadherence to medication. Medication nonadherence is a major concern in nursing practice that impacts clinical effectiveness, overall treatment outcomes, and healthcare cost implications. The project evaluated whether the outcome, timely refill rates of prescription medication, was impacted by the psychoeducation that was conducted outside the scope of the project. The project question was, “What is the impact of patient psychoeducation to improve timely refill rates among patients with bipolar depression aged 20–50 years in an outpatient …

Perceptions And Attitudes Of Western Michigan University Students On Antibiotic Medications, Emily Boask

Honors Theses

On a global scale, antibiotic resistance is a threat to public health. The causes of antibiotic resistance are multifaceted, including healthcare providers overprescribing antibiotics, antibiotic overuse in farming and food production, and antibiotic misuse or malpractices. The public recognizes antibiotic resistance as a significant problem but there are serious knowledge gaps regarding antibiotic resistance and antibiotic stewardship.

University students are a particularly important subpopulation of the public to understand appropriate antibiotic use because many of these individuals are navigating their health concerns on their own for the first time. Many individuals believe that antibiotics can improve cold symptoms, upper respiratory …

The Implementation Of Ketamine-Assisted-Psychotherapy On Healthcare Workers Suffering From Workplace-Related Ptsd Due To Covid-19, Ziluolan Zou

Nursing | Student Research Posters

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare workers were exposed to a deadly disease with limited knowledge and personal protective equipment, subjected to long hours, forced to ration care due to limited critical care resources and ventilators, and isolated from their families due to fear of spreading the virus. These factors further compounded the occupational stress associated with being a healthcare worker. The literature shows that the physical, mental, and emotional challenges frontline healthcare workers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic had lasting impacts on their mental health. The prevalence of mental health illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, among …

Robotics And A.I In Oncological Surgery, Ian Ngo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Throughout the decades, advancements in

technology have been surpassing limits that

were thought impossible. Every day these

breakthroughs are improving modern

surgery whether it be enhancing precision

on surgical sites, increasing accuracy of

procedure, or reducing recovery rates for

patients. Among the newly increasing

innovations, the implementation of robotics

systems and artificial intelligence (AI) into

the surgical field has emerged into

becoming a transformative force, especially

within a context as delicate as tumor removal.

This study explores the numerous benefits

of incorporating robotics and artificial

intelligence (AI) in tumor removal surgeries.

We investigate how these innovations

improve surgical accuracy, reduce …

The Effects Of Music Therapy On Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Defects In The Pre And Postoperative Setting, Janelle Marie Choy

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Congenital heart defects is a prominent medical occurrence especially in pediatrics. These defects often require surgeries and extensive treatment plans. These treatment plans often include invasive surgeries and extensive treatment plans which can require long recovery times along with potential surgical complications. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy on pediatric patients with congenital heart defects in the pre and postoperative setting and how music therapy can be implemented in treatment plans to yield effective recovery results for these patients. This research is significant as elevated vital signs and preoperative anxiety are associated with an increased need …

Educational Program On Depression And Anxiety For Low Socioeconomic Postpartum Latina Mothers, Lizbeth Valdez Duran

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety are common mental health conditions that women experience after childbirth. PPD involves intense feelings of extreme sadness, and diminished interests in activities that once brought them happiness. Postpartum anxiety involves constant worry and fear, often centered on the well-being of the baby. Symptoms may include restlessness or irritability, panic attacks, and trouble concentrating or sleeping. Barriers to treating depression and anxiety among Latinas include a lack of awareness or understanding of mental health issues. (Lopez et al., 2018).

Health Literacy refers to the individual's ability to understand and process health-related information. By assessing a …

Prepared To Protect: Improving Cardiac Emergency Response In Youth Club Sports, Melissa Garcia

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency where the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. A person experiencing a cardiac arrest collapses, loses consciousness, and ceases breathing (American Heart Association, 2022).

Exercise offers numerous benefits to the cardiovascular system and a person’s overall health. However, there are incidents of sports-related cardiac arrest in apparently healthy athletes, including children and young adults. Athletes may be exposed to dehydration, adrenic surges, electrolyte imbalances, acid/base disturbances, and trauma which increases their risk of experiencing a cardiac event (Wasfy et al., 2016).

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of …

Racial Concordance Perceptions Of Post-Op African-American Patients, John-Ezekiel Moya

Nursing | Student Research Posters

African-Americans have historically faced significant health disparities, which persist due to implicit racial biases and a lack of cultural competency among non-Black healthcare providers. These disparities often result in poorer health outcomes and diminished patient satisfaction. One potential factor in mitigating these issues is racial concordance, the alignment of racial identity between patients and providers (Jetty et al., 2022). However, only 6.3% of the nursing workforce identifies as Black or African-American (Smiley et al., 2023), limiting opportunities for racially concordant care. While racial concordance may foster trust, communication, and comfort in healthcare settings, research on its importance to African-American Patients—especially …

Educating Staff To Use The Teach-Back Method Towards Improving Adherence To Antipsychotic Medication, Elizabeth Adebayo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

My goal for this staff education doctoral project was to improve adherence to antipsychotic medication among patients in a mental health facility through an education initiative for psychiatric intensive care unit staff focused on the teach-back method. The facility had reported a 20% increase in medication noncompliance among post-discharge patients within the past year, primarily attributed to nurses’ lack of adequate patient teaching strategies. I addressed the issue of effective patient education using the teach-back method in improving medication adherence in an inpatient mental health setting. Teaching objectives, content, and test questions were developed based on a substantial body of …

Simulation Education To Improve Confidence Levels In Using Alternative Methods Of Restraint With Children On An Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, Roshni Patel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary Seclusion and restraints, while sometimes necessary for patient and staff safety, can result in negative outcomes, including physical and psychological harm to patients. This doctoral project addressed the critical issue of improving inpatient nurses’ confidence in applying alternative methods to seclusion and restraints. These alternatives are essential in psychiatric and acute care settings to promote patient safety, reduce the use of coercive interventions, and support a more humane approach to patient care. The practice problem identified was a notable lack of confidence and knowledge among inpatient nurses regarding using these alternative methods, which led to overreliance on seclusion and …

An Educational Intervention To Increase Nurse Practitioners’ Knowledge And Awareness Of Polypharmacy, Kiana Piedrahita

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The presence of multiple health problems can contribute to the simultaneous use of multiple medications by an individual, also known as polypharmacy. While polypharmacy can be necessary, it has the potential risk of adverse drug reactions and possible hospitalization. In the local organization, leadership noted that 47% of patients seen are elderly individuals who have multiple comorbidities, indicating the probable use of multiple medications. Thus, purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to determine if an educational intervention focused on polypharmacy and the use of the electronic medical record to manage polypharmacy increased knowledge and awareness among nurse …

Neuroprotective Care And Painful Procedures, Jelda Frank

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

An inconsistent application of neuroprotective care provided by clinical staff, based on my observations, to minimize the negative effects of painful procedures that can negatively impact the neurodevelopment of neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), was the identified practice problem for my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project. Implementation of evidence-based neuroprotective and neuropromotive strategies aim to optimize outcomes for premature infants and minimize risk of potential negative effects to the neonate’s short and long term neurodevelopment. The DNP project practice-focused question addressed whether a presentation of an evidence-based educational program for NICU clinical staff would …

Ethics Of Ai In The Classroom, Kyle Kos

Honors Theses

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and is increasingly being used in classrooms. Several different forms of artificial intelligence have gained popularity within the past, one form of AI with widespread use in the classroom is Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT). This paper explores how the recent surge of popularity of ChatGPT has caused concerns of ethical use in the classroom. Additionally, this paper explores the capabilities and strategies for students to use AI, specifically in nursing.

ChatGPT can offer extraordinary resources to students through capabilities such as essay writing and editing, generation of answers to questions instantly from a vast …

The Power Of Plate & Knowledge: Nutrition’S Role In Pcos Management For Asian American Women, Cassandra Camille Diego Curameng

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic endocrine disorder affecting 8–11% of women worldwide, with 70% remaining undiagnosed (WHO, 2023). It presents with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, high testosterone levels, anxiety, depression, and infertility, significantly impacting quality of life and health (OASH, 2021). The symptoms of PCOS can severely impact women’s quality of life, mental health, and long-term well-being. Insulin resistance contributes to symptom severity and a 50% likelihood of developing diabetes or prediabetes by age 40 (Wang et al., 2011). Women with PCOS face a threefold increased risk of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers (Barry …

Clinical Practice Guideline: Shared Decision Making For Patients With Mental Health Disorders, Karen Rose Grant-Simmons

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This project was a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for practitioners who deliver healthcare services to patients living with mental health disorders. The practice problem addressed by this CPG was lack of mental health patient inclusion in terms of determining treatment plans of care. In back-to-back patient satisfaction surveys, patients indicated they would like to have more say in their treatment plans. The practice problem was important to increase patient input in clinical decision-making practices of practitioners. The project question was: Does evidence support development of a CPG for mental health patient-centered input regarding treatment plans of care that was …

Developing Nursing Education In A Low-Income Country, Kalyn M. Renbarger, Jane Frances Anyango, Joshua Kanaabi Muliira

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background

Methods

Staff Education To Improve Antipsychotic Medication Adherence, Muhammad J. Matlub

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This staff educational project addressed a gap in practice involving minimal nursing intervention to support antipsychotic medication adherence. Antipsychotic medication nonadherence results in undermanaged schizophrenia, which is associated with relapse psychotic episodes, suicidality, and violence. Therefore, the project’s purpose was to educate the providers on long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication to facilitate the use of the medications to address antipsychotic medication nonadherence. Eight providers were involved in the educational intervention and were educated on the LAI antipsychotic treatment intervention through an interactive educational session. Knowledge surveys were administered before and after the educational intervention. The collected data were analyzed using …