Nursing Commons^™

The Association Between Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, And Social Determinants Of Health Among Accelerated Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Students: A Multi-State Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study, Kwanza Thomas

Dissertations

This study investigated the association between emotional intelligence (managing and understanding), empathy, and social determinants of health (SDOH) among accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) students. Despite the exponential increase in ABSN programs in the United States, little is known about the association between these variables among this nursing student population. A cross-sectional, correlational descriptive design was used to survey 104 students completing ABSN programs in Georgia, Mississippi, Philadelphia, and Texas. Participants self-reported their socioeconomic and programmatic characteristics using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Emotional intelligence (managing and understanding) was measured using two instruments, including the Situational Test of Emotional Management …

Using Motivational Interviewing To Increase Cpap Compliance, Karen Padilla Sanchez

Cohort XII

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects one billion adults worldwide. Untreated OSA increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (Watach et al.,2021). OSA cost the United States approximately $149 billion dollars per year, with more than half of patients requiring continuous use of a positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) for treatment (Watach et al.,2021). Individuals’ beliefs and perceptions regarding OSA impact CPAP compliance. Motivational Interviewing is an evidenced-based approach to change behaviors and improve patient outcomes (Crosby et al.,2022). A 10-day practice assessment log at Sonno Sleep Center identified (n= 51 of 105) patients lacked adherence of 70% in …

Restorative Yoga To Increase Mindfulness And Reduce Anxiety And Burnout Of Inpatient Mental Health Workers: A Quality Improvement Project, Rachaele Warden

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background/Significance: Burnout syndrome negatively impacts healthcare systems via quality reduction of patient care and communication, increased medical errors, hospital-acquired infections, staffing shortages, and costly malpractice suits (De Hert, 2020). The characteristic exhaustion, cynicism, job detachment, feelings of inadequacy and incompetence that emerge from burnout further hinder individual mental health and wellbeing.

Purpose: The purpose of the restorative yoga intervention strives to reduce employee anxiety, burnout and enhance mindfulness-based practice strategies within a local inpatient mental health hospital.

Methods: Quality improvement project with evidence-based interventions.

Interventions: The project intends to hold one instructor-guided and one video-guided 25-minute restorative yoga weekly session …

Increasing Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake In Primary Care Using The 4 Pillars Program: A Quality Improvement Project, Hannah Lyons

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

Aim: To explore the effectiveness of the 4 Pillars Program on increasing human papillomavirus vaccination use in patients ages 9-18 years.

Design: A retrospective quasi-experimental research design comparing pre- and post-implementation human papillomavirus vaccination rates.

Keywords: human papillomavirus, vaccination, pillars, program, communication, tool, quasi-experimental, retrospective

Methods: A retrospective chart review identified the rate of encounters per provider where the human papillomavirus vaccine was administered to patients ages 9-18 years. Interventions including increasing access to the vaccine, standardizing provider recommendation of the vaccine, enhancing utilization of the electronic health record, and introducing a vaccine champion, known as …

A Nursing Point Of View: Investigating The Causes Of Medical Errors And Strategies For Prevention, Lauren Shillo

University Honors College

Bedside nursing is more of an art then what is seen or heard of from news articles or stories depicting a day in the life of a healthcare worker. “250,000 people die every year from medical errors, making it the third leading cause of death in the United States” (James, 2013). While there is no definitive answer or clear-cut solution to avoiding medical errors within nursing practice, indefinitely, there are possible ways to greatly reduce the effects and harm that accidental human errors have within the world of medicine. Through time, thousands of new policies and protocols have evolved from …

Looking Beyond The Fracture: Initiating An Osteoporotic Fracture Liaison Service, Gabriela A. Hildenbrand

Cohort XII

Background/Problem Statement: Osteoporosis, known as the “silent disease,” has been estimated to cause 9 million fragility fractures worldwide, resulting in an osteoporosis fracture every 3 seconds (Pennestrì et al., 2019). Fragility fractures are projected to exceed $25.3 billion US dollars by 2025 (Barton et al., 2021).

Aims/Methods: This paper describes the implementation of an evidence-based practice DNP project using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Department. The aim of this project is to implement a fracture liaison service (FLS) to help close the post-fracture treatment gap.

Results/Interventions: This …

Tailoring Treatment Approaches With Supplemental Screening: Homeostatic Model Assessment Of Insulin Resistance (Homa-Ir) In An Obese Population, Christine Ruvaclaba

Cohort XII

Background: This quality improvement project, conducted in the Texas-Mexico border region with high obesity rates, aimed to explore the utility of the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) as a screening tool for insulin resistance (IR) among overweight and obese individuals. The study focused on patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25 who exhibited normal blood sugar levels or Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels less than 5.7%.

Aim/Methods: The aim is to identify early intervention strategies for metabolic disorders, particularly in obese populations. Obesity is often the precursor to comorbid conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. …

The Effects Of Mediterranean Diet On The Epileptic Population With Depression, Celina Navarro

Cohort XII

Background: People with epilepsy often develop depression during the course of their disease progression. This condition is multifactorial, often related to the unpredictability of their disease, the lack of control on their symptoms, and the medications they use to treat their seizures. Mental health services continue to be insufficient for our growing border region, and patients with epilepsy, often will lack the proper mental health management due to mental health provider shortage. Multiple medications can be used to successfully treat depression in the general population, however people with epilepsy often will struggle as anti-seizure drugs can interact with antidepressants. Also, …

Initiating Early Review Of Paxlovid Criteria With Suspected Covid + Patients To Reduce Disqualification Of Anti-Viral Therapy, Emily Robinson

Cohort XII

Introduction: Nearly 742 million cases of COVID have been detected since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and over 6 million people have lost their lives due to COVID or a COVID related illness. While Arizona’s COVID-19 emergency declaration ended on March 30, 2022, there are still nearly 100,000 new cases each week as of September 2023. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) is an outpatient antiviral medication recommended for adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who have elevated risk of severe illness.

Aim/Methods: Regardless of vaccination status, taking Paxlovid within 5 days of diagnosis reduces the hospitalization rate by 51%. The majority of COVID positive …

What A Pain In The Back!!!, Sylvia De La Rosa

Cohort XII

Background: After reviewing my 10-day Practice Assessment Log (PAL) and documenting a clinical needs assessment of my practice, I documented, reviewed, and reflected upon my findings. In my current practice we address low back pain with Gabapentin 300mg TID and Methocarbamol 500mg BID. The present outcome is that most patients do not experience much in relief.

Aims/Methods: My Practice Improvement Project (PIP), validated via research, points to adding Celebrex 100mg BID, an anti-inflammatory, to patient’s regimen. I carried out this project for 30 days with a 2-week follow-up. The Translational Framework Knowledge-to-Action model was used to help me prepare the …

Following National Guidelines And Treatment To Eradicate Streptococcus Pharyngitis In Pediatrics, Rosa I. Montenegro

Cohort XII

Introduction: Sore throat (acute pharyngitis) is considered a prevalent disease worldwide among children and adults that requires healthcare. It is important to know that the etiology of sore throat in 70%-95% of cases is viral. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) is detected in approximately 15%-30% of all cases with sore throat, 5%-15% in adults, while 20%-30% in children. For the diagnosis of GAS infection, a throat swab is the gold standard procedure. Most guidelines are based on the seriousness of GAS infection to support the decision on the use of antibiotic treatment. All guidelines on sore throat give recommendations on …

Improving Bipolar Diagnosis With The Rapid Mood Screener, Leslie Richard

Cohort XII

Background: Bipolar disorder is a chronic, debilitating mental illness that affects individuals globally. It is characterized by significant challenges in diagnosis, often leading to delays in receiving appropriate treatment. This condition can mirror the symptoms of unipolar depression, leading to frequent misdiagnoses and hindering timely intervention that could improve functional outcomes and quality of life.

Aims/Methods: This project aims to enhance the accuracy of bipolar disorder diagnoses in clinical settings, specifically bipolar disorder type 1 (BPT1), at the earliest possible stage of the illness. By doing so, it seeks to improve symptom management, reduce the duration of episodes, and enhance …

Reaching Gold: Diagnosing And Individualizing Care Using Gold Abe Guidelines, Martha Flores

Cohort XII

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains the fifth leading cause of disease-related deaths worldwide, resulting in an annual cost of $3.5 billion in the United States due to COPD exacerbations. COPD treatment necessitates a multifaceted approach that includes collecting complex, subjective, and objective patient information. A ten-day patient assessment log was completed in an outpatient pulmonary clinic to evaluate any shortcomings in the current practice, revealing that the current evaluation of breathlessness involved gathering subjective reporting with binary yes/no responses, leading to variability in diagnosis and treatment.

Methods/Aims: The binary evaluation fell short of the recommendations of the Global …

Hypertension And Treatment Modalities: What Does The Current Evidence Say?, Luis R. Tellez

Cohort XII

Background/Problem Statement: The significantly elevated rates of cardiovascular (CV) disease observed among individuals with mental health conditions might stem from suboptimal handling of cardiovascular risk factors. In this project, I sought to address one aspect of cardiovascular risk: hypertension in patients 18-74 years of age, marked with a blood pressure >140/90 mmHg in a psychiatric inpatient setting. A tenday review of patient care revealed that hypertension management provided to patients under our service was inadequate and might be improved by adopting and implementing more consistent and systematic protocols for medication administration.

Aims/Methods: At the onset of my project, I undertook …

On Solid Ground: A Quality Improvement For Fall Prevention, Jessica Vergara

Cohort XII

Background/Problem Statement: Falls among older adults are a significant concern, affecting up to 30% of individuals aged 65 and older annually. Multiple risk factors contribute to falls, including age, comorbidities, medications, and environmental hazards. Despite the common belief that falls are inevitable with aging, this project emphasizes the preventability of falls through multidisciplinary management and proactive engagement in fall prevention programs.

Aims/Methods: The initiative focuses on implementing the Matter of Balance (MoB) program within an institutional setting. MoB has shown favorable effects on fall-related concerns. The study employs a comprehensive outreach strategy targeting older adults at risk of falling, those …

Incorporating Aac Training In Nursing Education Programs To Enhance Understanding Of Caring For Patients With Complex Communication Needs, Tessa Bradley

Honors College Theses

As healthcare professionals, nurses must be able to effectively communicate with their patients to ensure their health, safety, and comfort. However, this can be particularly challenging when it comes to patients with complex communication needs (CCN), where communication breakdowns can lead to sentinel events. Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) can help those with CCN improve communication across various settings, including in healthcare. Unfortunately, there is a severe lack of training for nurses when it comes to communicating with patients with CCN and the use of AAC. Webb et al. (2024) investigated the effectiveness of a combined synchronous and asynchronous training …

Uab School Of Nursing Ai Taskforce: Transforming Nursing Education At Uab, Matthew Jennings Med, Chris Hickman Msis, Tonya Judson Dnp, Rn, Ni-Bc, Cne, Benjamin J. Galatzan Phd, Rn, Tedra S. Smith Dnp, Cpnp-Pc, Cne, Chse, Carrie Beth Littleton Dnp, Rn, Cnecl, Chse, Penni Watts Phd, Rn, Chse-A, Fssh, Faan

School of Nursing Professional Posters

Invited poster presentation

Bean 5 Turn Team: Improves Turing Interventions & Reduces Hapi Rates, Paige Thompson Rn, Johnna Grant Rn

Nurse Residency

Does implementing a turn team on hospital units aid in preventing pressure-related injuries as compared to standard of care, without a turning team?

Addressing Social Determinants Of Health In Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs, Audrey Hunter

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

Introduction: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is considered the most effective treatment for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD); however, MAT program retention rates are consistently low across the United States. Addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) through text message could impact MAT retention; therefore, a pilot project at a federally qualified healthcare center (FQHC) was implemented.

Methods: The Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risk, and Experiences (PRAPARE) SDOH screening tool was implemented for patients undergoing MAT for OUD. Community resource referrals were provided via text message based on the screening results. Retention in treatment was measured by prescriptions …

Improvement Of Patient Outcomes Through The Use Of Intensivist Nurse Practitioners, Leigha Fish

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

This mixed retrospective and prospective cohort study aimed to compare mortality outcomes and associated factors between two cohorts of patients diagnosed with respiratory failure: on-call physicians and Interventional Nurse Practitioners (INPs). The analysis involved 143 patients, 82 in the on-call physician cohort and 61 in the INP cohort. Contrary to initial expectations, the two cohorts had no significant difference in mortality rates (p = 0.143). However, significant differences were observed in critical variables affecting mortality, including Time from Admit to Procedure Performance (p = 0.029), ICU Length of Stay (p = 0.013), and Ventilator Days (p = 0.048), with INP-managed …

Help A Friend!: Suicide Education Program, Aneesha Nagra, Bahareh Didehban, Dianna Akesh, Kate Takahashi

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Sleep Menu: Maintaining A Normal Sleep Regiment In An Unfamiliar Environment, Samantha Donnell, Hallie Shiers, Nichole Demarco, Taysier Elshaikh

Nurse Residency

Key aspects of the health benefits of good sleep in the hospital setting

Glycemic Control In Type Ii Diabetics, Brianna Jordan Bsn, Rn, Caelyn Smith Bsn, Rn, Kyleigh Alt Bsn, Rn, Sarah Goslin Bsn, Rn

Nurse Residency

In type two diabetics, how does in-patient insulin protocols compare to interventions at home influence glycemic control over 6 months?

Staff Assist Process In The Emergency Department Setting, Caroline Goodnight Rn, Rasha Burkeba Rn, William Covert Rn

Nurse Residency

In the Emergency Department, how do zone-based response systems compare to department-wide response systems in a staff assist affect overall patient outcomes within a one-year period of time?

Early Vs. Delayed Ambulation: Impact On Postoperative Patient Outcomes During Hospitalization, Nhi D, Alex T, Hannah H

Nurse Residency

In post-op patients, how does early mobilization compared to delayed mobilization affect patient outcomes within hospital time?

Fall Risk And Patient Safety, Sidney Sparda, Iza Lobue, Lilly Morrissey

Nurse Residency

In patients with increased fall risk how does using the TIPS tool compared to The Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool (JHFRAT) affect patient falls within an acute care setting?

Professional Socialization, Colleen Dyer Rn, Ben Torpey Rn, Drew Wunderli Rn

Nurse Residency

In the on-boarding process for new graduate registered nursing staff, how does Professional socialization compare to traditional orientation influence staff retention or satisfaction after their first year of employment?

Falls Happen... Do Tele Sitters Vs. 1:1 Companions Make A Difference?, Jenna Flewelling Rn, Gabby Guzman Rn, Rhiannon Regan Rn

Nurse Residency

In patients with an increased fall risk (P), how does a tele sitter (I) compared to a 1:1 in person companion (C) affect the amount of falls that occur (O) within a hospital stay (T)?

Psychosocial Health Of Patients With A Left Ventricular Assist Device, Sarah Christensen, Trang Le, Natalie Pagenstecher

Nurse Residency

Among adult patients diagnosed with advanced heart failure, what is the effect of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on self-reported measures of psychosocial health during the post implantation period?

The Mending Mothers Project: An Inaugural Program To Improve Knowledge In Managing Gestational Diabetes, Harry Ma, Anita Sentha, Jacimil Varquez

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

No abstract provided.