Nursing Commons^™

Designing And Validating Novel Communication Measures For Pediatric, Adolescent, And Young Adult Oncology Care And Research: The Pedcom Measures, Bryan A. Sisk, Amy R. Newman, Dandan Chen, Jennifer W. Mack, Bryce B. Reeve

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

High-quality communication in pediatric and adolescent cancer is the standard of care. Yet, we lack pediatric-specific communication measures. We designed self-report and caregiver-report communication measures for use in pediatric oncology settings.

Methods

We recruited adolescent and young adults (AYAs; 12–24 years) with cancer and parents of children and AYAs between 1 month post-diagnosis and 2 months after completing treatment. Participants completed measures including 58 questions addressing eight previously characterized communication functions. For each function, we conducted factor analysis, and assessed reliability and construct validity. Based on psychometric properties, we created final long-form (31 items) and short-form (eight items) communication …

Feasibility Of Stress Research In Premature Infant–Maternal Dyads During And After Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Hospitalization, Kathryn J. Malin, Kristin Kruschel, Kaboni W. Gondwe, Joanne Lagatta, C. Sue Carter, Hossein P. Nazarloo, Yvette P. Conley, Rosemary White-Traut

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

Stress from preterm infant admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is associated with infant and maternal physiologic changes, including endocrine and epigenetic alterations. Little is known about the mechanisms connecting NICU stress to biologic changes, and whether preterm infant and maternal stress are reciprocal. As a preliminary step, feasibility and acceptability of measuring indicators of stress are required.

Purpose:

This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of research examining perceptions and biologic markers of stress in premature infant–maternal dyads during and after NICU hospitalization.

Methods:

We evaluated study feasibility using a longitudinal descriptive design. Acceptability was measured …

Community Or Commodity? Perceived Nurse Support During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jacqueline Christianson, Madaline Mccarthy, Bonnie Sommers-Olson, Jill L. Guttormson, Norah L. Johnson

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

This cross-sectional study aimed to understand how nurses perceived community and healthcare institution support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five themes are described: healthcare institution resource provision, presence and camaraderie, perceived commodification versus supportive gestures, nurses as heroes, and erosion of support over time.

Utilizing A Validated Screening Tool And Treatment Protocol For Managing Agitation And Violence In A Psychiatric Emergency Services Unit, Zarah Ashcroft

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background and Significance. Agitation is a significant concern in psychiatric units. If not detected early, agitated individuals are at high risk for becoming aggressive and violent, potentially causing harm to themselves, hospital staff, and property. The Psychiatric Emergency Services unit receives agitated and violent patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance use disorders. Purpose/Goal/Objectives. This quality improvement project aimed to implement a treatment protocol using the Broset Violence Checklist (BVC) to promote the early identification and management of potential for patient violence and aggression. Methods/Key Activities. Staff education for the nurses and providers on assessing patients at risk for aggression and …

Dental Caries Screening For Food Insecure Children, John Joseph Kane

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Dental caries is the most common childhood disease, disproportionally impacting minorities, and socio-economically disadvantaged children. Food insecurity impacts 23.6% of children in Texas; the majority being African American and Hispanic. Food insecurity screening rates are abysmal. Dental caries and food insecurity are significantly correlated and likely syndemic. Purpose. Implement oral examination and the “Hunger Vital Sign” screening tool in detecting dental caries and food insecurity at an urban pediatric urgent care center. Evidence. Food insecure children experience adverse health outcomes, impaired long-term health outcomes, developmental and cognitive delays, psychosocial delays, and oral health deficiencies including caries and malabsorption of …

Program Development And Expansion Of A Clinician-Driven Wound Care Program At An Outpatient Wound Care Center, Zhenhai Niu

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Problem. Patients with chronic wounds often present with additional physical and emotional problems because healing of chronic wounds may require months to resolve. Practitioners develop treatment plans based on their own training and clinical expertise, but unfortunately, there are no universal guidelines to inform the management of chronic wounds. Expanding multi-factorial assessments and interventions could improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this project was to implement a wound care protocol for outpatient wound care clients based on a nutritional and psychological self-assessment. Methods. A patient-completed checklist, done on arrival to the clinic, triggered clinician-driven protocol interventions addressing mental health and …

A Quality Improvement Project To Screen For Food Insecurity In Adults With Anxiety Or Depression, Kelsie Evelyn Kroll

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background Food insecurity is the limited availability and inconsistent accessibility of healthy foods (Coleman-Jensen et al., 2022a). Food insecurity contributes to mental health problems. Individuals with food insecurity have greater odds of screening positive for depression and anxiety (Wolfson et al., 2021). The Hunger Vital Sign™ screening tool is a 2-questions evidence-based tool used to identify food insecurity (Hager et al., 2010). Purpose. Implement the Hunger Vital Sign™ tool at a non-profit behavior health clinic to identify food insecurity in adults who screened positive for anxiety or depression, offer resources for them to obtain nutritious food, and provide additional information …

Implementation Of The Mood Disorder Questionnaire In A Psychiatric Inpatient Facility, Sandy Ann Harris

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Bipolar disorder is a combination of multiple mood disorders associated with high suicide rates. The mood disorder questionnaire is a reliable, cost-effective, and time-effective screening tool to aid in diagnosing bipolar disorder (Carvalho et al., 2015; Miller & Black, 2020). Purpose. To implement the mood disorder questionnaire during admission to improve the accuracy of diagnosing bipolar disorder among providers in patients without a history of bipolar disorder. Goal. To increase the utilization of the mood disorder questionnaire thereby increasing bipolar disorder diagnosis accuracy. Objectives. 100% of the team will attend an in-service on the project; 60% of patients without …

Empowering Nursing Staff To Activate Rapid Response Teams: Using In Situ Simulation To Bolster Knowledge And Confidence, Elicia Egozcue, Marrice A. King, Natalie Bermudez, Nohemi Sadule Rios, Mayra Villalba, Ashley Miller

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Purpose: To examine the impact of in situ simulation (ISS) with scripting on nursing staff’s knowledge and confidence to initiate rapid response teams (RRTs) immediately after identifying patient condition deterioration. Background/Significance: Failure to rescue (FTR) related to delays in activation of RRT is on the rise, leading to poor patient outcomes. Lack of confidence, knowledge, and empowerment are associated with delayed activation of RRTs. As such, the nursing staff’s confidence is integral in activating RRTs and FTR prevention. In situ simulation may help nurses increase their confidence, thus empowering timely RRT initiation. Methods: This quantitative pretest–posttest study used a convenience …

The Use Of Descriptive Analytics To Improve Nursing Compliance With Bar Code Medication Administration In The Outpatient Setting, Janisse Post, Stefania Granados, Elyse Garcia, Gloria Arteaga, Cristina Lopez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) has been shown to reduce medication errors and improve patient outcomes. The utilization of this technology-driven approach enhances patient care and has emerged as a potent strategy to decrease medication errors. Purpose: This project aimed to examine the impact of descriptive analytics in improving BCMA compliance to reduce medication errors in acute outpatient settings. Methods: In March 2021, baseline data revealed that overall BCMA compliance was 87%, with only 1 out of 20 outpatient units meeting the 95% benchmark. To enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness, our team took a multi-faceted approach, including streamlining the …

Motivations For Joining The Healthcare Field, Elise M. Hernandez Miss

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of The Resuscitation Quality Improvement Program In A System Of Hospitals: A Map For Success, Claudia C. Sabogal-Rodriguez, John Mouw

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: To prevent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills decay, the International Consensus on Resuscitation suggested retraining every three to six months. Current retraining practices nationwide exceed one to two years, suggesting that clinical staff's CPR skills are rarely at optimum proficiency. The Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) program offers skills decay prevention through quarterly sessions. This manuscript addresses the challenges and opportunities of implementing the RQI program in a hospital system to increase CPR skills quality and cost-savings. Purpose & Methods: This manuscript describes the challenges and opportunities of implementing the RQI program as a quality improvement initiative in a system of …

Identifying Research Practices Toward Achieving Health Equity Principles Within The Cancer Prevention And Control Research Network, Prajakta Adsul, Jessica Islam, Perla Chebli, Julie Kranick, Sarah Nash, Hannah Arem, Stephanie Wheeler, Melissa Lopez-Pentecost, Victoria Foster, Rashmi K. Sharma, Tisha M. Felder Phd, Msw, Betsy Risendal, Enmanuel A. Chavarria, Simona Kwon, Rachel Hirschey, Chau Trinh-Shevrin

Publications

PURPOSE

Although there is national recognition for health equity-oriented research, there is limited guidance for researchers to engage partnerships that promote health equity in cancer research. The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network's (CPCRN) Health Equity Work Group developed a toolkit to guide researchers in equitable collaborations.

METHODS

The CPCRN's Health Equity Work Group collectively outlined health and racial equity principles guiding research collaborations with partners that include communities, community-based organizations, implementing partners in the clinical setting including providers and health care organizations, and policy makers. Using a network-wide survey to crowdsource information around ongoing practices, we leveraged and integrated …

Unbearable Suffering While Working As A Nurse During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Chloé Littzen-Brown, Hanne Dolan, Angie Norton, Claire Bethel, Jennifer T. May Phd, Rn, Anp-Bc, Jessica Rainbow

Publications

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in negative consequences for nurse well-being, patient care delivery and outcomes, and organizational outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of nurses working during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

Design: This study used a qualitative descriptive design.

Setting(s): The setting for this study was a national sample of nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States over a period of 18 months.

Participants: Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 81 nurses via social media and both national and state listservs.

Methods: Using a single …

Reimagining Associate Degree Nursing Education: An Insider’S View, Ntiense E. Otu

Theses and Dissertations

The demographics of nursing students in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program are diverse, hence the need for nurse educators to prepare and handle the challenges faculty face in the ADN program. Although many pieces of literature have addressed different modalities of instructional delivery and teaching methods in nursing education, transition experience of nurse educators, and teaching preparation and readiness, these are not evident in the ADN programs in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The teaching preparation of nurse educators and their utilization of instructional methods in the ADN program in the RGV is limited in the literature. This study …

School Nurses And The Sexual Health And Education Of Public-School Students In Tennessee, Amy Wake

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Tennesseans have been experiencing increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases since the year 2000. Those rates are highest among those 15- to 24-year-olds. At the same time, Tennessee policy requires the teaching of abstinence as the primary form of sexual health education and emphasized the use of abstinence-only curriculum. The school nurse represents an available resource in the Tennessee public schools. The purpose of the qualitative study was to explore, describe, and interpret the perceptions and experiences of public-school nurses from rural, suburban, and urban areas of Tennessee related to the sexual health and sexual health education of students. School …

Nurses’ Awareness Regarding Patients’ Safety Receiving Vasoactive Medication In Critical Care Units, Gehad Diaa

Nursing

Background: Critical care nurses are responsible for managing the preparation, timing of initiation, administration, titration, and weaning of vasoactive infusions based on the prescriptions of the physician so; to ensure patient safety, they must have adequate knowledge about medication, goals of drug therapy, and interventions to minimize adverse reactions. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to assess nurses’ awareness regarding patients’ safety receiving vasoactive medication in critical care units Design: A descriptive exploratory was utilized to achieve the aim. Setting: This study was conducted at two ICUs as follows (Cardiovascular Care Unit, and Chest Care Unit) affiliated with …

Effect Of Animated Stories On Pain Intensity And Physiological Parameters Among Post-Operative Children., Sara Sayed Abdalla

Nursing

No abstract provided.

The Cancer Nursing Workforce In Australia: A National Survey Exploring Determinants Of Job Satisfaction, Natalie Bradford, Elizabeth Moore, Karen Taylor, Olivia Cook, Lucy Gent, Theresa Beane, Natalie Williams, Kimberly Alexander, Erin Pitt, Jemma Still, Cameron Wellard, Gemma Mcerlean, Deborah Kirk, Leanne Monterosso, Alexandra Mccarthy, Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins, Jessica Balson, Priscilla Gates

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: To maintain and improve the quality of the cancer nursing workforce, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence retention and job satisfaction. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of cancer nurses in Australia and identify predictors of job satisfaction. Methods: We analysed data from an anonymous cross-sectional survey distributed through the Cancer Nurses Society Australia membership and social media platforms from October 2021 to February 2022. The survey was compared to national nursing registration data. Data were analysed with non-parametric tests, and a stepwise, linear regression model was developed to best predict job satisfaction. Results: Responses were …

Pain Assessment Tools For Use In Infants: A Meta-Review, Diana Arabiat, Evalotte Mörelius, Kreshnik Hoti, Jeffery Hughes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Identifying pain in infants is challenging due to their inability to self-report pain, therefore the availability of valid and reliable means of assessing pain is critical. Objective: This meta-review sought to identify evidence that could guide the selection of appropriate tools in this vulnerable population. Methods: We searched Scopus, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, MIDRIS, EMCare and Google Scholar for eligible systematic reviews. Eligible reviews documented psychometric properties of available observational tools used to assess pain in infants. Results: A total of 516 reviews were identified of which 11 met our inclusion criteria. We identified 36 pain assessment tools (evaluated in …

The Perceived Benefits And Effectiveness Of Patient Feedback Systems In Strengthening Patient-Provider Relationships In Rural Tanzania, Kahabi Isangula, Eunice Pallangyo, Eunice Ndirangu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction

Patient feedback system (PFS) forms an important entry point for the medical personnel and healthcare administrators to identify healthcare service delivery gaps and develop responsive interventions. This may foster patient trust consequently increasing healthcare-seeking, engagement in decision, continuity, and satisfaction. However, research on the PFS in rural primary healthcare settings appears limited.

Objective

The paper examines the perceived role and efectiveness of PFS in improving therapeutic relationships building on the recent research on patient-provider relationships in rural Tanzania.

Methods

The paper examines the fndings of qualitative descriptive research conducted in the Shinyanga Region which employed a human-centred design (HCD) …

Using Empowerment Theory To Improve Understanding Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Haitian American Women, Balkys Bivins, Brenda Owusu, Indra R Hershorin, Tony Umadhay, Janet Joseph, Arvinder Singh

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: The CDC (2020) revealed that the age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the United States among the Black, non-Hispanic population is 16.8%. A study conducted by Bivins et al. (2021) revealed a 39% prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Haitian Americans (HAs) living in several states. In the literature, HAs are often grouped with Black Americans, yet Haitian American women (HAW) have unique struggles with treatment and management of T2DM. No prior study used the empowerment theory to improve the management of T2DM in HAW. Purpose: To improve the understanding of T2DM in HAW using empowerment theory. …

Impact Of Midodrine On Optimization Of Β-Blocker Therapy In Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction, Maria A. Ruiz, Dayana Martinez, Maura Falli, Kristen De Almeida, Radhan B. Gopalani

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Midodrine, an α-adrenergic agonist approved for orthostatic hypotension, is used off-label for hypotension in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, its prevalence, clinical outcomes, and risks in HFrEF remain unclear. Theoretically, adding midodrine to HFrEF patients’ medication regimens may facilitate up-titration of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) by attenuating its corresponding hypotensive effects. This study aims to assess the concurrent use of midodrine and β-blockers in patients with HFrEF to allow the initiation or up-titration of GDMT. Methods: This was a multisite, retrospective chart review of adult patients with HFrEF who received concomitant treatment with midodrine …

Assessment Of A Pharmacist-Led Antibiotic Time-Out For Transition Of Iv Vancomycin To Oral Linezolid, Mary S. Vogel, Jefferson Cua, Erika Dittmar, Timothy Gauthier, Kelsey N. Williams

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Intravenous (IV) vancomycin requires therapeutic drug monitoring and line placement and may prolong hospital stay. Linezolid requires less monitoring, is orally bioavailable, and may expedite transitions of care. This study assessed the impact of a pharmacist-led antibiotic timeout for the transition from IV vancomycin to oral linezolid. Methods: This single-center, quasi-experimental study included admitted adult patients receiving IV vancomycin for over 48 hours. Patients receiving vasopressors, of immunocompromised status, or with specific antibiotic indications were excluded. The primary outcome was the pharmacist intervention acceptance rate. Secondary outcomes included median hospital length of stay, median antibiotic treatment days, and incidence …

Nurses - Tab Down Your Stress Level: A Pilot Study On The Use Of Aromatherapy To Decrease Stress Levels, Judith E. Bowling, Ashley N. Garbutt, Theresa Worden, Julie Erickson, Nicole Rowney

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: The average day-to-day nursing profession is a stressful one. The job often requires dealing with patients enduring some of the worst times of their lives, as well as contending with patients' emotional family members. This stressful environment is heightened even more for nurses employed in critical access hospitals (CAHs) due to the limited resources usually associated with these smaller facilities. Methods: Research and Evidence-Based Practice Council members at one CAH explored how to help nurses deal with the elevated work stress level. Aromatherapy tabs were used as an intervention to reduce nurses' stress. The nurses who participated in this …

Characterization Of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Admitted For Acute Heart Failure During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Paola Delahoz, Karen Corrales, Justin P. Cagulada, Jessica Cardona, Jasmin Qyyum, Venessa Rodriguez, Catherina Chang Martinez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Cardiomyopathy (CMP) and heart failure (HF) are serious health conditions that impact millions of Americans, including people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). The COVID-19 pandemic presented disruptions, yet it is unclear how it affected those living with T2DM and HF. This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with T2DM and CMP who were hospitalized with acute heart failure (aHF) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Retrospective study of 288 adults with aHF between May 2020 to June 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of adults hospitalized at a non-profit community hospital in …

Nurse Initiated Standing Orders: A Process Improvement At An Emergency Department In Interior Alaska, Justin D. Melberg

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Emergency Departments (EDs) are a valuable and limited public health resource. In addition to treating acute medical emergencies, EDs bridge the gaps in urgent care and primary care accessibility, operating twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, providing care regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. EDs across the country operate at or above capacity regularly, and overcrowding is projected to increase due to decreased facilities and available inpatient beds. Innovative measures are necessary to increase patient throughput and decrease length of stay while maintaining quality care. Nurse initiated standing orders, also known as nurse driven protocols, standing orders, …

Certified Midwives: An Exploration Of Their Impact On Maternal Health Outcomes – A Comprehensive Literature Review, Heather Hollister

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Maternal health outcomes in the United States have been consistently worse than other high-income countries, with a disproportionate impact on women of color. Midwives have long played an important role in maternal health worldwide. The literature review examines the evidence for midwives as key contributors to improving maternal health outcomes. The paper reviews the existing literature on midwifery, including the impact on maternal health, labor and delivery outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Electronic searches were conducted through Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Medline and Embase. Articles were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria including that they must be a randomized study; participants …

Letter From The Editor: Six Years Of Successful Publication, Nohemi Sadule Rios

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Reducing Urinary Tract Infections In Adult Hospitalized Patients During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Quality Improvement Project, Margie Martin, Catherina Chang Martinez, Dayana Kowalski, Courtney Willard, Yessenia Muniz, Gabriela Flores, Laura Budnechky, Joy Mitts, Hollie Gow

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain among the most common healthcare-associated infections, leading to increased morbidity and mortality in hospitalized adult patients. Methods: An interdisciplinary team initiated a quality improvement project to help reduce CAUTIs in a South Florida hospital. The project included using a CAUTI bundle consisting of indwelling catheter protocols, electronic bladder management order sets, nursing staff education, and implementation of external urinary catheters during the years 2020 through 2022. Results: The CAUTI bundle demonstrated positive outcomes in decreasing CAUTI rates. During our fiscal year 2022, there were 63% fewer CAUTIs (n = 23) compared to 2020 …