Improving Anesthesia Provider Confidence In The Identification, Management, And Treatment Of Postoperative Delirium, Brittany M. Whistle, Charles Dustin Phelps

Scholars Week

Purpose: Postoperative Delirium (POD) is a potentially devastating complication of anesthesia that is poorly understood by clinical staff leading to poor outcomes for surgical patients. This study is meant to determine if a focused knowledge presentation accompanied by visual aids could increase anesthesia providers confidence in identifying, diagnosing, and treating Postoperative Delirium.

Methodology: Utilizing a statistical model to analyze respondents results on a standardized test administered before and after an informational presentation with visual aids on the topic of Postoperative Delirium.

Results: Results indicated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores, with a p-value of .002, t(11) = …

Breaking Barriers: Advancement Toward Practical Nursing Licensure For Certified Medication Assistants In Long-Term Care--A Descriptive Study, Aleshia L. Maxwell

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The persistent nursing shortage across the United States, particularly in Long-Term Care (LTC) settings, has complicated the healthcare system’s ability to meet the needs of an aging population. While existing research often examines progression from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN), limited research explores factors influencing progression from entry-level LTC healthcare workers to Practical Nursing (PN) licensure. This quantitative descriptive study examined the barriers and supporting factors influencing advancement toward PN licensure for Medication Assistants-Certified (MA-Cs) in Arkansas LTC facilities. A convenience sample of N=100 participated in the study. Results indicated that financial and structural barriers often …

Implementation Of A Pressure Injury Prevention Bundle To Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries In The Intensive Care Unit, Xibo Lan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this quality improvement project was to utilize the SKINSAFE pressure injury prevention bundle during 12 weeks of implementation to increase evidence-based pressure injury prevention practices adherence and decrease risk of hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) in the intensive care units (ICU).

Background

ICU patients experience high risk for hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) secondary to immobility and device related pressure. Initial adherence to SKINSAFE bundle was 55-56%. There was inconsistent use of heel offloading devices, wound photography and documentation. Prevention bundles were affected by staffing fluctuations and leadership turnovers.

Methodology

The Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle for this project included …

From Incomplete To Impactful—Finalizing Unfinished Nursing Projects In Nart And Polypharmacy For Lasting Improvement, Paula Thanh Nhat Pham, Armine Lianna Chamichyan, Anastasia Yerofeyeva, Stelene Alexis Tragus

Master's Projects and Capstones

This quality improvement project addressed the problem of incomplete or unsustained clinical initiatives at a long-term care facility by introducing Kotter’s Change Model, an evidence-based framework designed to support and sustain lasting improvements in clinical practice. Within the context of a religious-based residential community for older adults with complex chronic needs, the objective was to strengthen the facility’s capacity to implement and sustain change more effectively. By using two previously unfinished initiatives, the NaRT triage tool and Polypharmacy management process, the project applied Kotter’s model to evaluate how structured change strategies can improve staff engagement, leadership alignment, and long-term project …

Senior Living: Filling The Gap, Katy J. Johnson

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

This white paper explores how colleges and universities can help address the housing crisis for Americans aged 65 and older by integrating seniors into college campuses. This approach not only helps to fill dormitories but also provides students with valuable work experience. The paper examines three key issues: the Silver Tsunami (the growing senior population), declining enrollment leading to campus housing vacancies, and the financial burden of higher education. By advocating for intergenerational living, the proposal offers an innovative solution that benefits seniors, students, and universities.

Reducing Inpatient Falls On A Cardiac Progressive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project., Danielle R. Turner

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background: Inpatient falls are harmful to patients and to the healthcare organization. Fall prevention interventions and strategies are necessary in the acute setting to reduce the number of falls and increase patient safety.

Environment: This quality improvement project will take place at a Midwest acute care hospital on a cardiac PCU. This is a 38-bed unit where there has been an increased number of patient falls.

Purpose: The John Hopkins Evidence Based Practice Model was used to design, implement, and assess a nurse-driven, bedside, visual tool to reduce the number of inpatient falls on a cardiac progressive care unit.

Methods: …

Awareness Of The Physiological Changes Occurring In Older Adults Can Reduce Dehydration And Electrolyte Imbalances, Lisa Isley

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Individuals over 65 years are at an increased risk of dehydration. The physiological changes that occur with age and medication consumption can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can physically and mentally impair individuals over 65 years old. Objective: By providing education to individuals 65 years and older regarding the significance of drinking water and consuming electrolytes daily, older adults can reduce their dehydration symptoms and improve their quality of life. Method: The proposed research is a quasi experimental study geared towards individuals 65 years and older. The quasi-experimental study will include two pre-surveys and then two post-surveys. The …

The Effectiveness Of Botulinum Toxin Injections In The Management Of Chronic Neck And Shoulder Myofascial Pain: A Nursing Perspective, Jia Zhou

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Background

Chronic neck and shoulder myofascial pain has long been challenging patients and medical professionals due to its limited response to traditional therapies on top of high recurrence. Physical therapy, oral analgesics, and trigger point injections have only provided partial or short-term relief. As a result, botulinum toxin type A injections have been explored as an alternative treatment. Previous studies have shown promising short-term outcomes, but concerns regarding long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and potential adverse effects, particularly in older adults, have remained unresolved. These gaps have highlighted the need for comprehensive evaluation from both clinical and nursing perspectives.

Objective

The …

Bundled Approach To Improve Colorectal Cancer In Primary Care, Elizabeth Reddiar

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, despite being preventable through timely screening. National guidelines recommend regular screening for adults aged 45 to 75; (American cancer Society (ACS), 2025) however, screening rates remain suboptimal, particularly in primary care settings serving diverse and high-volume populations. Local Problem: At the project site, a community-oriented primary care clinic in North Texas, baseline data revealed CRC screening completion rates were below benchmarks set by the organization. Barriers included limited patient awareness, inconsistent provider reminders, and workflow challenges in distributing and tracking fecal immunochemical test …

Older Adult's Fall Prevention Program, Myles Butler, Rebecca King

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The decline in bodily functions with aging increases older adults' vulnerability to falls, which is a leading cause of death within this population. The poster presents an educational based fall prevention program focused on safety awareness and risk management for older adults. In conclusion, implementing a fall prevention program leads to increased awareness regarding risk factors that are detrimental to the safety and well-being of the older adult community

Enhancing Communication And Reducing Near Misses Through Comprehensive Handoff Tools At A Residential Nursing Facility, Sabrina Guralnik, Sophia Nguyen, Gabriela Benelyahu, Giselle Peyus

Master's Projects and Capstones

Our quality improvement project at Regina House addresses communication gaps during patient handoffs, which have led to missed or delayed care. The research underscores the critical role of effective communication in patient safety, particularly for vulnerable populations in nursing homes. Current handoff practices at Regina House are inconsistent, especially among Certified Nursing Assistants, resulting in frequent reporting errors and communication disparities.

To enhance patient safety and care continuity, this project introduces a standardized handoff tool and an incident reporting system, aligning with Regina House’s goal of improving care quality. Over three months, CNAs will receive training on the tool, with …

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

Utilizing Podcast Education To Improve Nurse Knowledge, Confidence, And Behaviors Related To Palliative Care Conversations In The Intensive Care Unit, Brittany Estridge

DNP Projects

Background: The personal connection that Registered Nurses (RNs) build with patients and their families puts them at the forefront of many conversations during the patient’s stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Some of the most difficult conversations are related to palliative care (PC). It can be challenging to know how to respond to the complex questions posed in palliative care conversations (PCC) when patients and their caregivers are making decisions that will alter the course of the patient’s treatment, as well as affect the quality and length of their life.

Purpose: Nurses receive inadequate training in PCC. The purpose …

Esp In Nursing: Building Communicative Competence For Internationally-Educated Nurses, Sami Vuong

Master's Projects and Capstones

The nursing shortage in the United States has been an ongoing issue due to nursing burnout and retirement. Together with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has further exhausted the healthcare system’s resources and healthcare providers. In order to sustain the healthcare system in society, a large number of internationally educated nurses (IENs) have been transferred to work in the United States. As a result of different nursing practices, cultures, and communication styles, many IENs experience language and cultural barriers at work. Difficulty in communication influences the quality of patient care provided, which can lead to negative health outcomes for patients and …

Addressing Obstacles In Following Prescribed Medication Regimens In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Cristina Sarro

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Type 2 diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Micro/macro vascular complications are common in diabetes. Purpose. To implement an evidence-based protocol addressing obstacles for patients with type 2 diabetes in following their prescribed medication regimens to reduce glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Evidence. Failure to follow treatment plans increases diabetes complications. Perceptions and complexities of treatment plans, side effects of therapies, and cost contribute to patients not taking their medications as prescribed. Goals. To increase the number of patients with type 2 diabetes who follow their prescribed medication regimen and reach their targeted glycosylated hemoglobin. …

Dnp Final Report: Reducing The Rate Of Falls With A Stuctured Fall Program, Elanda L. Douglas

DNP Final Reports

Background: Fall rates continue to be a significant problem in health care facilities despite all the research and tool kits created to prevent falls. Hospitals that have successfully reduced fall rates find it challenging to sustain a reduction in the fall rates. During hospitalizations, 3%-20% of patients fall, with 30%-50% resulting in injury (Joint Commission, [JC], 2015).

Internal Evidence: Despite Medical City Alliance (MCA) having an evidence-based fall program, the fall rate has not decreased. Falls are one of the quality measures identified at the division level that needs improvement.

PICOT: In adult patients in a progressive care unit (P), …

A Compilation Of Written Instructional Practice Reflections On The Acue (Association Of College And University Educators) Course In Effective Teaching Practices, Sheryll Go

Q2S Enhancing Pedagogy

This is a compilation of written instructional practice reflections on The ACUE (Association of College and University Educators) Course in Effective Teaching Practices, from January – April 2020. This online course has prepared Nurse Educators like me in gaining a foundation in evidence-based teaching practices that increase student motivation, engagement, and learning. The attached assignment include reflections from completed modules.

Pilot Project: Developing A Standardized Evidence-Based Education Process For Nurses To Enhance New Medication Eduction Of Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure, Michele Ann Crotteau

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Problem Description: Research has shown that health information is difficult for the average adult to understand while clear communication helps patients feel involved and increases adherence to treatment. The Joint Commission recommends Health Literacy (HL) assessment and the use of the Teach Back Method (TBM). Medication errors that occur between the RN and elderly patient are preventable when the RN communicates effectively about the patient’s medications. A paucity of research exists evaluating TBM for nurse-patient communications. This Quality Improvement (QI) Pilot Project (PP) took place over 3-months, aimed to improve new medication education to elderly patients with Heart Failure (HF). …

The Nurse As The Facilitator Of Patients' Narration: An Educational Intervention, Petra Stockman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

More than one million resident patients live and receive care at certified long-term facilities in the United States, many of whom suffer from depressive symptoms and anxiety. Prior research recommended storytelling as a vibrant nursing intervention to assist long-term care residents in overcoming challenges and emotional pain. However, nurses frequently lack knowledge of successful planning and implementation of narrative reminiscence. This scholarly project was designed to increase nursing competence and confidence in using storytelling as a clinical tool to improve mental health in long-term care, using a quasi-experimental, nonrandomized pretest, intervention, and posttest study design. A convenience sample of 10 …

The Effects Of Fall Health Belief And Knowledge Of Fall On The Prevention Of Fall In The Elderly: Mediating And Moderating Effects Of Fall Fear, Insun Jang, Seungmi Park, Phoebe (Yeon) S. Kim

Nursing Faculty Publications

Purpose: This descriptive study investigated the mediating and moderating effects of fear of fall on the relationships between health belief on fall, fall-related knowledge and fall prevention behaviors among older adults Methods: We enrolled 229 older adults residing in a senior citizen hall and community welfare center, and investigated their health belief on fall, fall-related knowledge, fall prevention behavior, and fear of fall. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and t-test were used to analyze differences in variables. Pearson correlation and multiple regression were used to investigate mediating and moderating effects of the fear of fall on the relationships between health belief on …

Nursing Students' Willingness To Care For Older Adults, Insun Jang, Younglee Kim, Phoebe (Yeon) S. Kim

Nursing Faculty Publications

The older adult population has increased and is projected to grow. This population usually has chronic disorders that need continuous care. However, it has been reported nurses and nursing students have negative attitude towards older adults. This descriptive study aimed at investigating factors influencing nursing students’ willingness to care for older adults. This study was conducted among 270 nursing students at the university in the United States from February 1 to February 28, 2017. Study participants answered the survey about quality and frequency of contact with older adults, anxiety about aging, empathy, attitude, and willingness to care for older adults. …

Ua66/13/2 Ogden College Of Science & Engineering Public Health Centers, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Records related to Public Health Centers.

Reduing Hospital Readmissions: Ideal Discharge Planning For Heart Failure Management, Chun Mei Chen, Chun Mei Chen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

The objectives during this project were to achieve by the end of 2018 an overall reduction of 25% in HF readmissions within 30 days. By identifying root causes of readmissions and using needs assessment within the microsystem, literature highlights the elements defining interventions that can be used to improve transitions of care and reduce avoidable HF hospital readmissions. A plan was developed for integrating an evidence-based practice, IDEAL Discharge Planning, along with engaging patients and families at bedside from the first day of admission until discharge to more effectively assist staff in providing patient-centered education and self-care skills. The …

Establishing A Hybrid Wound And Ostomy Continuing Education Program, Vivian K. Wong

Faculty Publications

Wound and ostomy nurses receive specialty training and certification to provide care in abdominal stomas, ostomies, wounds, fistulas, and pressure injuries. The eight existing nationwide programs in 2011 were inadequate to meet increasing patient population demands. We developed an innovative nondegree, postbaccalaureate continuing wound and ostomy education program using a hybrid design. The program integrated interactive online classes with intensive onsite classes and skills training. The program has been granted seven-year accreditation; student evaluations have been positive.

Integrating Person Directed Care Into The Client Experience, Tammy L. Marshall Ms., Joann P. Reinhardt, Orah Burack, Audrey S. Weiner

Patient Experience Journal

Culture Change leaders in long term care have identified creative ways to implement a model of Person Directed Care to improve the client experience by providing choice, instilling dignity, and fostering deep relationships among its community members. One organization created an environment of care called ”The Small House” and educated its’ workforce using the Green House® Project Legacy Alignment program to redesign the organizational structure, experience and environment. Interviews were conducted with elders, staff, and family members (N=20) about their experiences living, working or visiting a Small House as compared to experiences in their previous dwelling, a traditional nursing home. …

간호대학생의 노인 간호의도에 영향을 미치는 요인, Phoebe (Yeon) S. Kim, Insun Jang

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Professional Learning And Knowledge Transfer To Practice In Unregulated Care Provider Training In Resident-Centred Care, Sarah Pottier

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Ongoing training for unregulated care providers (UCPs) in Ontario is required to meet the care needs of the aging population. Inconsistencies in standards and options for formal training for UCPs as well as the evolving complex needs of the aging population are factors contributing to needing training programs for UCPs in the workforce. This thesis examined the delivery and transfer of professional learning for UCP training in resident centred care. Increasing resident-centred care behaviours and knowledge were the primary aims of the training. One 128-bed long-term care home in southwestern Ontario volunteered to participate in this study while providing the …

Barriers Encountered By Nurses And Nursing Assistants That Prevent Purposeful Rounding, Mar Joseph B. Odias

Master's Projects and Capstones

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify barriers encountered by registered nurses (RNs) and nursing assistants (NAs) that prevent purposeful (hourly) rounding.

Background: The literature has shown that purposeful rounding improves patient outcomes and safety. However, few studies show the barriers encountered by nursing staff that hinder the purposeful rounding process.

Methods: A pre-post test design was implemented on a 25-bed oncology, urology medical surgical unit with a staff of 38 RNs, 9 NAs, and 4 Unit Secretaries (US). A pre-implementation needs assessment survey was completed by 55% (21/38) of RNs, 33% (3/9) of NAs, and 100% (4/4) …

The Meaning Of Patient-Nurse Interaction For Older Hospitalized Women: A Phenomenological Study, Deborah Mize

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The purpose of this dissertation is was to explore how older women perceived their interactions with nurses after receiving care in a hospital setting. Older women are a vulnerable population subject to being overlooked or misunderstood by the nurses caring for them, hence the importance of this study. To gather the data on older women’s lived world of nursing care, I used a phenomenological approach based on a hermeneutic framework that considers linguistic, historical, and social factors to interpret older women’s lived world of nursing care while hospitalized. I personally interviewed seven women between the ages of 66 and 81 …

Challenges Facing The Elderly Care Industry In Hong Kong: The Shortage Of Frontline Workers, Sin Tung, Stella Kwok, Wai Ning Kris Wong, Shun Lai Yang

Practical Social and Industrial Research Symposium

No abstract provided.