Breastfeeding Promotion For Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Nas), Olivia Czerwonka

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is the exposure in utero to drugs with the incidence in the United States increasing from 4 to 6.3 per 1000 births (Wei et al., 2023). The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a breastfeeding support intervention to increase breastfeeding frequency and reduce hospital length of stay of newborns with NAS. A tailored multicomponent guideline based upon the current Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as established by WHO and UNICEF (2017) was implemented. Mothers of infants diagnosed with NAS were recruited using convenience sampling from a Northwest Indiana Hospital. Key stakeholders within the …

2025 Nursing Annual Report, Children's Health System Of Texas

2025

No abstract provided.

Navigating The Nicu Without Words: A Case Study Of A Spanish-Speaking Mother’S Healthcare Experience, Emma Norris

Poster Presentations

Research on NICU experiences largely focuses on majority-language families; non-English-speaking families are understudied (Cleveland, 2008). The Family Integrated Care model promotes parent-infant connection and shared decision-making to improve outcomes (Wreesmann et al., 2020). Language barriers impede parent-provider communication, increasing miscommunication and parental anxiety (Kynoe et al., 2020; Ardal et al., 2011). The purpose of this research is to explore communication experiences and barriers between English-speaking and bilingual NICU nurses and a Spanish-speaking NICU mother.

Tiny Tusks Internship: Factors That Affect Breastfeeding In Public, Caroline E. Bene

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this review was to explore factors that impact women’s decision to breastfeed in public or not. The PICOT question used was: ‘What Factors Affect Women’s Decision to Breastfeed in Public or Not?’ Two platforms, EBSCOhost and The National Library of Medicine, were used to identify 15 peer-reviewed journal articles on factors affecting women’s decision to breastfeed in public or not. The factors that impact a women’s decision on whether it is acceptable to breastfeed in public stems from the media stigmatizing that breastfeeding should be a private action. Research done yielded results of both positive and negative …

Tiny Tusk Internship: Gut Instincts: A Review Of Literature On The Impact Of Breastfeeding On The Infant Gut Microbiome, Rayla Payne

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate both the short- and long-term benefits that breastfeeding has on the infant gut microbiome. The PICOT question was: In full-term infants, how does exclusive breastfeeding compared to mixed or formula feeding influence the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome throughout the first 12 months of life? For this research, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, and the National Library of Medicine databases were searched to find relevant studies and systematic reviews. Terms such as “breastfeeding and infant gut microbiome” were used to conduct the search. Other terms used included “breastfeeding OR formula feeding”, “human …

The Impact Of Parental Mental Health On Infant Outcomes In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Length Of Stay, Feeding, Bonding, And Developmental Progress, Andee L. Plaskett

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a highly stressful environment for both infants and their parents. Poorer infant outcomes, including longer hospital stays, feeding difficulties, and delayed developmental progress can all be a reflection and outcome of elevated parental distress. Currently, mental health distress and infant screening tools are used in most NICUs but are not seen in all practices, it is also important to provide interventions based on the screening results. Screening tools are used to identify a problem but interventions should be implemented to try to alleviate the problem. Objective: By implementing a standardized screening …

The Impact Of Night Shift On New Nurses: Effects On Mental Health And Work-Life Balance, Avery Windham, Abby Maruskin, Elizabeth Yoder

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research examines the impact of night shift schedules on new nurses' mental health and work-life balance as they transition into professional practice. The transition from nursing school to the workforce presents challenges that are further compounded by shift work, which can disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to stress, fatigue, and reduced job satisfaction. The purpose of this research is to evaluate how starting on night shift versus day shift influences nurses’ self-evaluation of work-life balance within their first year of practice. This systematic review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed sources to assess the physical, emotional, and professional consequences of night …

The Relationship Between Religious Attitude And Breastfeeding Attitude: A Cross-Sectional Study From Türkiye, Melike Yavaş Çelik, Cuma Tunçkaşık

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between religious attitudes and breastfeeding attitudes and the effect of this relationship on breastfeeding practices.

Methods: This study was conducted with 203 mothers with babies aged 0–24 months. Simple random sampling was used in sample selection. The Religious Attitude Scale and Breastfeeding Attitudes of the Evaluation Scale were used in data collection.

Results: A significant relationship was found between religious attitudes and breastfeeding attitudes. Additionally, mothers' negative breastfeeding attitudes and positive breastfeeding attitudes were found to be close to each other. The time it took for mothers to start breastfeeding their …

Standardizing Care: Strengthening Dka Protocol Implementation Among Emergency Department Nurses, Toni Joy Angelique Biliran Miculob

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The objective of this project was to address the inconsistent understanding and utilization of the Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) protocol in a high-acuity emergency department within a large hospital system, where baseline survey results showed that 84% of nurses found the DKA order set confusing and only 15% felt “very comfortable” applying it.

Aim: The aim was to improve nurse clarity, confidence, and consistency in using the DKA protocol to support timely, evidence-based management of this high-risk, time-sensitive condition.

Methods: The intervention consisted of brief, targeted education delivered during pre-shift huddles across day and night shifts, focusing …

Congolese Mothers' Beliefs That Influence Health-Seeking Behaviors For Their Infants., Shawn Meiman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 2024, approximately 100,000 refugees were admitted to the United States, with 20% coming from the DRC, while Kentucky continues to rank fourth in the country for refugee resettlement. The increasing number of Congolese refugee children in the United States and Kentucky necessitates a greater understanding of these beliefs and practices to ensure equitable, quality, and culturally informed health services. The purpose of this study was to explore Congolese refugee mothers’ culturally and socially situated beliefs, perceptions, practices, and resources related to health care that may influence their views and practices of preventive well-child health care for their infants in …

Increasing Pediatric Hpv Vaccination Rates, Brooke A. Nicholas

Dissertations

Increasing Pediatric HPV Vaccination Rates

Abstract

Problem: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that affects more than 80% of the population within the United States (Eisenhauer et al., 2020). HPV can develop into cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers (Eisenhauer et al., 2020). About 4,000 individuals die from cervical cancer alone each year (O’Leary, 2022). The HPV vaccine, though recommended by the ACIP and AAP, is below national vaccination rates in comparison to other vaccines (O’Leary, 2022).

Methods: This quality improvement project is a non-randomized controlled trial that observed HPV vaccine dose completion rates for patients aged 9-14 …

Integrating Kangaroo Care Into Cesarean Delivery Practices: A Pathway To Enhanced Health Outcomes, Julia Swords

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Cesarean deliveries often interrupt early mother-infant bonding, delaying the initiation of breastfeeding and limiting opportunities for skin-to-skin contact. Despite national guidelines promoting immediate postpartum contact, cesarean-born infants receive kangaroo care (KC) at significantly lower rates than those born vaginally. Prior to this project, only 2% of cesarean births at the project site received KC, highlighting a significant gap in care delivery.

Aim of the Project: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of implementing kangaroo care during cesarean deliveries in a community hospital to improve neonatal outcomes and adherence to evidence-based postpartum practices.

Review of the Evidence: …

2024 Nursing Annual Report, System Of Texas Children's Health

2024

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Maternal Mental Health On Child Development, Jessica White

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Exploration Of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ Perception Of Barriers To Promoting And Supporting Breastfeeding In Primary Care, Devon L. Stubblefield, Allison L. Scott, Carmel Kruse, Marilou D. Shreve, Hope A. Ballentine

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

Background: Breastfeeding is the biological way to provide active and passive immunity, as well as necessary nutrients, to infants while concurrently providing multiple health benefits for mothers. Even though evidence is readily available to support the argument to breastfeed, United States’ breastfeeding rates fall below Healthy People 2030 goals. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in primary care settings are in a prime position to give education and create care plans to support breastfeeding mothers to improve breastfeeding rates but literature supports APRNs lack confidence to do so. An APRN is likely to defer care to another provider to address …

Social Determinants Of Health Screening In The Pediatric Population: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Staff Education, Brenda Awuah, Kansas S. Logan, Sally Humphrey Dnp, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc, Sharon Little Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are conditions that influence health outcomes. SDOHs are screened and addressed in many clinics and hospitals to reduce patients' social needs. Research indicates how unaddressed SDOH can negatively impact chronic illness, along with the daily life of pediatric patients. SDOH's role in pediatric patients includes food security, housing stability, access to healthcare, caregiver education, and parental mental health. Previous research has addressed these factors; however, the lack of staff education prevents effective compliance and follow-up on SDOH screening. Challenges remain in implementing and integrating SDOH into routine well-child visits. This scoping review will evaluate and …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of The Implementation Of A Food Insecurity Screening Tool In Identifying Risk Amongst Nicu Families, Jessica Daniels Bsn, Rn, Sahtiah Williams Bsn, Rn, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faanp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are critically ill and at risk of increased infections, developmental delays, and higher readmission rates after discharging due to complex health needs when compared to healthy term newborns. Nutrition has been widely recognized as an important predictor of readmission and developmental delay. However, current practice often does not provide any screening for food insecurity (FI) in NICU families, which assumes security and displays a gap in care surrounding discharge planning. This quality improvement project implements the use of an FI screening tool for NICU families to help practitioners identify FI …

Treatment Safety In Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis, Malia Ecalnir

Nursing | Senior Theses

_Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and long-term effects of topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) and topical corticosteroids (TCS) in pediatric patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (AD), and to compare the prescribed treatment use for 6 to 12 months. By providing evidence on prescribed topical treatments, their safety differences, and long-term effects, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions to minimize risks and choose the safest appropriate treatment for children.

_Method

This study will employ a quasi-experimental design, and participants aged 2-18 years will be selected from a clinic. Participants and their families will complete an initial …

Increasing Pediatric Asthma Follow-Up Visits And Decreasing Emergency Department Visits In A Primary Care Setting, Rima M. Basal

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

The implementation of the asthma follow-up visits bundle in the pediatric primary care setting is an evidence-based practice project aimed at improving pediatric asthma management. This manuscript discusses the deployment of the bundle, which includes pre- and post- knowledge assessment for parents/caregivers, asthma education through a short video and handout, administration of the asthma control test (ACT), completion of a written asthma action plan (WAAP), and education about the patient portal and telehealth. The goal is to improve parent/caregiver knowledge, treatment adherence, follow-up visit compliance (in-person or virtual) and reduce emergency department (ED) utilization. Parent/caregiver knowledge increased by 23%, ACT …

The Effects Of Medical Misinformation About Vaccines On Parents Of Pediatric Patients, Mya Izabela B. Emelia

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention designed for parents of pediatric patients who are vaccine hesitant and its impact on childhood vaccination rates. This research proposal aims to assess whether targeted education addressing vaccine misinformation, safety concerns, and benefits influences parental decision-making and improves vaccine uptake.

Methods

Parents of pediatric patients will be recruited from pediatric clinics and community health centers. Participants will complete a baseline survey before receiving an educational intervention addressing vaccine misinformation, social media-driven misconceptions, and hesitancy. A post-intervention survey will then assess changes in vaccine hesitancy, …

The Critical Role Of External Involvement In Supporting Adolescent Mothers Facing Postpartum Depression, Samantha Campopiano

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health concern for adolescent mothers, especially those without a reliable support system. The current research demonstrates the importance of a support system, effective interventions, and prevention strategies for easier navigation of postpartum depression. Some effective interventions researched were therapy groups, personalized home visits, and using social media platforms to deliver therapy. This research proposal aims to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational intervention for postpartum adolescent mothers without support. A quasi-experimental design will be used, with pre-and post-test assessments using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to measure PPD symptoms in 100 …

The Impact Of Maternal Mental Health On Child Development, Jessica White

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of early maternal mental health interventions on child development, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors. The study aims to evaluate whether children whose mothers receive mental health interventions, such as support for depression and anxiety, show improved developmental outcomes compared to children whose mothers do not receive such interventions.

Methods

The study will include 100 mother-child pairs, recruited from clinics in Northern California. Child developmental outcomes will be assessed using standardized tools: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales (SSIS-RS). Follow-ups will …

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

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

The purpose of this research proposal aims to explore the impact of sleep education in new mothers and their ability to manage sleep deprivation with interventions during the postpartum period.

Methods

This research proposal includes various methods to evaluate the effectiveness of sleep education and mental health screenings in new mothers. The baseline data for sleep quality, postpartum depression, and the new adaptation to motherhood will be collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, actigraphy to monitor sleep patterns, and a conduction of cognitive functioning with the Mini-Mental State Examination. After interventions are put into place, follow up data …

Treatment Safety In Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis, Malia Ecalnir

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

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

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

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

A Quality Improvement Project: Increasing Pre-Term Infant Safety By Enhancing Skin-To-Skin Time In The Nicu, Maureen A. Cassidy

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Skin-to-skin (STS) contact, also known as kangaroo care, is a critical intervention for preterm infants, especially for those in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It promotes neurodevelopmental outcomes, physiological stability, and parental bonding. However, STS often falls below recommended daily levels due to a variety of berries. Exploring aids like belly bands may help address these barriers and promote improved outcomes.

Local Problem: STS time in this NICU microsystem falls significantly below nationally recommended levels, with most preterm infants receiving less than one to two hours daily compared to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 8-24 hours per …

Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy Presentation, Giovanna Tomassoni, Meredith Mackenzie

Master's Projects

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a serious form of child abuse in which the perpetrator is typically the victim’s maternal caregiver. Assessing for MSBP can be very challenging for medical providers due to symptom mimicry and a dearth of information about the disorder. This Integrative Review seeks to shine a light on common symptomatology of MSBP and to make sure that providers leave it on the differential diagnosis until alternative diagnoses can effectively exclude it. A total of 240 records from online databases were reviewing for content, currency, and rigor. This search was narrowed to 10 records for in-depth …

Maternal Substance Use And Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Admission Among Medicaid Beneficiaries: A State-Wide Audit, Vidhani Goel, Ana L. Reyes, Bertille Assoumou, Dodds P. Simangan, Farooq Abdulla, Megumi Akiyama, Deborah A. Kuhls, Kavita Batra

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Introduction: Mounting evidence suggested a strong association between maternal substance abuse and poor neonatal outcomes. This study aims to investigate an association between maternal substance abuse and NICU admissions and transitions in the LOC among newborns who were Medicaid beneficiaries.

Methods: A hybrid linkage approach was utilized to link two datasets (Birth Registry and Nevada Medicaid Claims) spanning 2015-2021 with nearly 85% linkage efficiency. The infant records were analyzed using univariate and bivariate statistical methods with significance level set at 5%.

Results: A total of 84,181 infant records were identified, of which 70,817 (84.1%) admitted to a single LOC during …

Benefits To Swaddle Bathing, Brenna Dotson, Kori Redden, Cassidy Payne

Scholars Week

Swaddle bathing is a technique that entails bathing an infant while they are comforted in a swaddle. This technique is rarely seen in everyday hospital practice, even though there is ample evidence of its benefits and advantages. Our project aimed to combine research proving the effectiveness of swaddle bathing through scoring methods that consider pain, vital signs, temperature, crying duration, and more. The research is combined to support the impact that swaddle bathing can have on not only infants but parents as well. Parents implementing the swaddle bath enjoy improved confidence and attachment, along with decreased stress. The evidence was …

Parents And Health Care Teams Perceptions Of Communication In Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Marjan Mardani, Haydeh Heidari

The Qualitative Report

Parents experience a lot of stress in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Then effective communication between parents and members of the care team is an essential component of improving the quality of care. The present study was conducted by qualitative exploratory research method for explaining parents and health care teams' perceptions of communication in NICU. We selected 39 participants by purposive sampling. We collected data through in-depth semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The transcripts were analysed using the conventional content analysis approach. Three themes were obtained by analyzing the data included, the nature of communication, the theme of factors affecting successful …