Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Commons^™

The Comfort Cart Initiative: A Quality Improvement Intervention To Improve Patient Satisfaction In The Emergency Department, Heidy Cladimir Ayala

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

The Comfort Cart Initiative: A Quality Improvement Intervention to Improve Patient Satisfaction in the Emergency Department

Purpose

The Comfort Cart QI project aimed to improve Emergency Department patient, parent, and guardian satisfaction by 10% over an 8-week implementation period.

Background

In healthcare, patient satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of care provided, and many literature reviews suggest it is closely associated with patient-centered care.

 Methodology

The Comfort Cart intervention is an evidence-based quality improvement project employing a pre- and post-intervention design, conducted over an 8-week period, in the Emergency Department. The project was guided by Kolcaba's Comfort Theory …

Climate Change Education For Environmental Sustainability In Health Professions Education: A Modified Delphi, Moses Mutua, Mirriam Kivuva

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Healthcare Communication With Artificial Intelligence Translation Methods For Improved Patient Healthcare Satisfaction, Mireille Signe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose:

To evaluate whether artificial intelligence (AI) verbal translation improved communication-related satisfaction during routine nurse–patient interactions.

Background:

In the ICU, brief, frequent conversations with patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) often occur without timely access to professional interpreters, contributing to delays, improvised communication, and lower satisfaction. AI tools offer immediate access for low‑complexity exchanges but require evaluation for feasibility and effectiveness as a supplement to certified interpreter services.

Methodology:

Twelve nurse-LEP proxy patient dyads were evaluated using a mixed-methods design (8/2025-12/2025) in a 16-bed ICU during QI PDSA cycles. Standardized care communication scenarios were completed using the AI tool. Process …

The Effect Of Fall Prevention Programs With Hourly Rounding On Fall Rates Among Adults Patients In Neurological Unit, Oyinlola A. Ogundeji

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this QI project was to evaluate the effect of a structured hourly rounding program on patient fall rates in an adult neurological inpatient unit.

Background

Patient falls remain a major safety concern in acute care, particularly among hospitalized neurological patients with impairments in mobility, cognition, and balance. In an adult neurological unit within a Magnet-designated hospital, fall rates exceeded national benchmarks, underscoring the need for a targeted quality-improvement

Methodology

A pre–post QI design, guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, was implemented over 12 weeks in a 28-bed neurological unit. This intervention featured structured hourly rounding using the …

Intimate Partner Violence Experience, Support Seeking And Coping Strategies Among Pregnant Women In Southwestern Uganda, Eve Katushabe, John Baptist Asiimwe, John Bosco Ndinawe, Editor Abeneitwe, Agnes Katusiime, Gladys Nakidde, Vincent Batwala

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy remains a global health challenge. This study aimed to explore pregnant women’s experiences of IPV, support seeking, and coping strategies in Southwestern Uganda. Pregnant women who had experienced IPV during pregnancy were purposively selected and completed in-depth interviews, with data saturation reached after 25 participants. Guided by the feminist theory, data were analyzed deductively and inductively using thematic analysis. Participating pregnant women were exposed to physical violence (e.g., the gravid abdomen being stepped on), psychological violence (e.g., verbal abuse), sexual violence (e.g., being forced into uncomfortable sexual positions), and financial control and manipulation (e.g., …

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 …

Considerations For The Analysis Of Urinary Environmental Chemical Concentrations During Pregnancy, Danielle R. Stevens, Kaleigh Hinton, Katie M. O'Brien, Jessie P. Buckley, Barrett M. Welch, Jason A. Watts, Antonia M. Calafat, Julianne C. Botelho, Elena Sinkovskaya, Ann Przybylska, George Saade, Alfred Abuhamad, Kelly K. Ferguson

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background:

Pregnancy physiology may impact indicators of hydration, affecting exposure assessment in gestational studies with urinary chemical biomarkers.

Methods:

We aimed to characterize hydration and demonstrate the impact of different methods for standardizing urinary chemical biomarker concentrations on exposure descriptives in the Human Placenta and Phthalates Study (n = 303, 2017-2020), a prospective pregnancy cohort with eight study visits between 12 and 38 weeks of gestation. We assessed trajectories and predictors of hydration using urine flow rate (UFR) and specific gravity (SG). Likewise, we examined trajectories and predictors of mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), for which concentrations were unstandardized or standardized via …

Exploring The Association Between Nurse Characteristics And Intent To Leave Their Current Position In Counties With Rural Hospital Closures, Caroline A. King

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Increased rural hospital closures and nursing burnout may lead to greater morbidity/mortality for rural residents. Current literature fails to capture whether rural hospital closures influence nurses’ intent to leave their current position. In this cross-sectional study, descriptive and correlational statistical analyses were conducted on survey responses from a sample of nurses who lived in a rural county that experienced a hospital closure. 66% of nurses stated that, at one point, they had considered leaving their primary nursing position. Logistic regression model results revealed that nurse-reported age and gender were significant predictors of a nurse’s intention to leave their current position. …

Household Point-Of-Use Faucet Filters For Lead Removal: Field Performance And User Experiences, Jeannie M. Purchase, Chantaly Villalona, Adrienne Katner, Kelsey Pieper, Marc Edwards

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Lead certified point of use (POU) faucet filters were field tested in two Louisiana cities in a total of 21 occupied homes during normal use and in two unoccupied homes with very high risk of water lead (Pb) contamination. In an unoccupied home with a 28 m lead service line (LSL) with average lead of 17 μg/L in flushed water, treatment by POU filters generally produced water with < 5 μg/L Pb even when tested to 200% of rated capacity. In the unoccupied home with a disturbed LSL, the water had erratic influent particulate lead of 9-3053 μg/L, and the POUs did not consistently produce water with < 10 μg/L Pb despite very high percentage removals. When testing POUs in occupied homes known to occasionally have lead over 5 μg/L, POUs always reduced lead to < 1 μg/L. In addition, POUs were also effectively removing high levels of iron and manganese present in the water of one city, but this also caused clogging before reaching half of their rated capacity. Laboratory experiments confirmed POU susceptibility to iron clogging.

Integrating Workplace Violence Prevention Into Nursing Curriculum: Preparing Future Nurses For Safer Practice ​, Noah Briere, Sarah Kegerreis, Molly Lasyone, Savannah Orris

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Nurses are under attack. 80% of nurses have experienced some form of workplace violence (WPV), which is seen as “part of the job.” Unfortunately, the agency responsible for protecting nurses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), only offers voluntary guidelines. We have determined that nursing students are the best group to educate about WPV prevention in healthcare. Including this teaching to fit within their pre-clinical requirements, only needing one faculty to teach with an average salary of $80k, to further help set what should be foundational skills. By adding WPV de-escalation techniques and adequately preparing students prior to graduation. …

A Bland–Altman Comparison Of The Lead Care® System And Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry For Detecting Low-Level Lead In Child Whole Blood Samples, Christina Sobin, Tanner Schaub, Natali Parisi, Eva De La Riva

Departmental Papers (PH)

Chronic childhood lead exposure, yielding blood lead levels consistently below 10 μg/dL, remains a major public health concern. Low neurotoxic effect thresholds have not yet been established. Progress requires accurate, efficient, and cost-effective methods for testing large numbers of children. The LeadCare® System (LCS) may provide one ready option. The comparability of this system to the “gold standard” method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the purpose of detecting blood lead levels below 10 μg/dL has not yet been examined. Paired blood samples from 177 children ages 5.2–12.8 years were tested with LCS and ICP-MS. Triplicate repeat tests …

Implementing Safe Nurse-To-Patient Ratios, Susan Clark, Molly Peasley, Tessa Pemantell, Grace Fritch

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Our project advocates for state mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in Tennessee critical care units to enhance patient safety, reduce nurse burnout, and improve overall healthcare quality. Research shows that inadequate staffing leads to higher mortality rates, complications, and longer hospital stays, while hospitals with mandated ratios report better patient outcomes and nurse retention. California’s model demonstrates the effectiveness of such policies, highlighting the need for nationwide implementation. The project follows an SBAR approach, outlining the situation of unsafe staffing, the background of financial-driven disparities, and the need for policy change. The plan includes stakeholder engagement, legislative advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. …

Co-Designing An International Nursing Course On Workplace Violence In Ethiopia, Sweden, And Tanzania: A Collective Autoethnography, Martin Salzmann-Erikson, Elisabet Eriksson, Tilahun Saol Tura, Tumbwene Mwansisya, Loveluck Mwasha, Malin Jordal

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

This study explores whether and how the co-creation of an international university course on workplace violence served as a site of transformative learning for us as nursing educators across Sweden, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Using collaborative autoethnography, our team of six faculty members critically reflected on pedagogical assumptions, educator identities, and experiences of cross-cultural collaboration. The data comprised written reflections, meeting transcripts, and observational notes. Through this process, our pedagogical approaches and professional identities were reshaped, shifting from content deliverers to reflective co-learners within the cross-cultural partnership. Our analysis highlights the interplay of cultural negotiation, logistical frictions, and unspoken yet influential …

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Critical Care Nurses Caring For Covid-19 Patients, Marwa Abdo

Nursing

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with a substantial number of severe cases requiring admission to isolated intensive care units (ICUs). This unprecedented situation exposed critical care nurses (CCNs) to a highly stressful traumatic environment, placing them at increased risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early identification and intervention for PTSD are crucial to mitigate the negative consequences for nurses' well-being, job performance, and overall quality of life. Aim: This study aimed to assess post-traumatic stress disorder among CCNs caring for COVID-19 patients. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 109 CCNs …

The Effect Of Continuous Glucose Monitoring On Glucose Control And Re-Hospitalizations In Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus Patients, Susan Ferguson

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

Purpose: This Program Development and Evaluation project was designed to improve the management of patients with type II diabetes mellitus through the implementation of a combined in-patient discharge protocol and outpatient continuous glucose monitoring protocol follow-up plan in a diabetes clinic following discharge from a rural-based acute facility hospitalization.

Method: This quasi-experimental project was based on Rosswurm and Larrabee's Model for Change framework. Outcome measures analyzed type II diabetes mellitus patients to assess the effects of a continuous glucose monitoring discharge protocol on pre- and post-glycemic levels, rehospitalizations, and patient (n=2) and provider knowledge (n=4) obtainment.

Results: In a comparison …

Implementing In-Room Recycling On A Family Medical Center, Ariann Schultz, Sarah Johnson

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Healthcare Professional Awareness Of Climate Health And An Evidence-Based Environmental Stewardship Framework, Patricia Joubert, Rosemary Timmerman, Angie Shemwell, Barbara Nguyen, Teresa Rangel

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Health Professional Concern For Environment And Behaviors To Protect Climate Health, Mary Jo Kelly, Sarah Johnson, Teresa Rangel, Gale Springer

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Association Between Depressive Symptoms And Dynamic Balance Among Young Adults In The Community, Jinyoung Park, Cynthia Lee, Ye Eun Nam, Hyunhwa Lee

Nursing Faculty Research

Background: Detecting and addressing depression symptoms at their outset can reduce the burden on individuals and society; however, it has a limitation in that such evaluations mainly rely on self-reports. Several studies have demonstrated a strong association between motor symptoms and early depression. We aimed to associate body balance measured by the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) with depressive symptoms among young adults in the community, to confirm the current evidence that depression negatively influences body balance. Research question: Is the YBT-LQ an objective tool for measuring and evaluating young adults’ depression risks, as well as assessing whether depression …

Predictors Of Occupational Distress Of Catholic Priests On The Eastern Seaboard Of The United States, Michael D. Kostick, Xihe Zhu, Justin A. Haegele, Pete Baker

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

With ever-increasing demands placed upon active priests in the United States, insight into protecting their mental health may help strengthen vocational resilience for individual priests. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of individual variables, workplace characteristics, and physical activity participation with occupational distress levels among Catholic priests. A 22-question survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire, the Clergy Occupational Distress Index, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was employed to collect individual variables, workplace characteristics, physical activity participation, and occupational distress levels of Catholic priests from the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Regression analyses showed that …

Global Partnerships In Transformation Of Nursing And Midwifery Education In Africa: A Systematic Scoping Review Protocol, Claudine Muraraneza, Donatilla Mukamana, Godfrey Katende, Oliva Bazirete, Liz Wolvaardt

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background In recent decades, the literature on global partnerships in nursing and midwifery education, for the purpose of enhancing quality of education, strengthening health care system, and achieving universal health coverage is on the rise in Africa. However, there is a gap regarding the best practices and barriers in the African context. The purpose of this systematic scoping review is to map the evidence on global partnerships in transforming nursing and midwifery education in Africa.

Methods A search will be conducted with the use of the following electronic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Applied Health Literature [CINAHL], PubMed, Cochrane …

Impact Of Strokes: The Burden Of Care, Post-Cva Fatigue & Caregiver Role Strain, Tanya G. Schlemmer

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

Strokes and cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs) and related disease events are an unfortunate circumstance that inflicts individuals around the world and impacts people every day as individuals and their caregivers. The consequences of these strokes or CVA events are life-changing for all those involved. As a result of long-term disability related to strokes, the caregiver may undergo many emotional, psychological, and physical factors that impact their daily lives. There is a relatively short period of time to react to the necessary change and as a result there may be differences in coping associated with these unexpected health circumstances. Many stoke …

Hepatitis C Virus Screening Strategies To Improve Early Identification And Treatment: ​ A Scoping Review​, Megan Elizabeth Lyons, Rn, Bsn, Ccrn, Thomas Tyler Bennett, Rn, Bsn, Ccrn, Felicia Ann Gray-Hamilton, Rn, Bsn, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common bloodborne infection in the United States (Ludden et al., 2022). Sadly, over half of the individuals living with chronic HCV are unaware of their condition (Halket et al., 2022). Due to rising numbers, HCV screening guidelines have been updated to recommend that every adult be screened at least once (Patel et al, 2021). Despite these guidelines, screening rates remain low. This scoping review aims to examine current research on HCV screening and strategies to improve early diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

This review began with a literature search using CINAHL and PubMed …

Dnp Final Report: Conquering Rn Turnover: Implementing Flexible Scheduling To Improve Job Satisfaction, Camille Y. Parsee

DNP Final Reports

Nurse turnover is a complex problem for the nursing profession, especially in the behavioral health setting, where turnover rates are higher than the overall RN national average. The consequences of high nurse turnover include increased health costs, low-quality patient care, and staffing constraints. The association between nurse turnover and job satisfaction is profound because of their reciprocal relationship; therefore, implementing an intervention to help mitigate nurse dissatisfaction is essential to overcoming nurse turnover. Flexible scheduling is an intervention that gives nurses independence with their schedule which improves work-life balance and promotes nurse retention (Wright, 2017). The following PICOT question was …

Nutritional Medicine: Education For Advanced Practice Providers, Natalie Organ

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The project's primary goal was to educate the APP and develop positive attitudes and beliefs concerning plant-based nutrition regarding obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The project addressed a crucial gap in healthcare education. APPs were not routinely given the chance to learn nutritional medicine, leading to decreased confidence in providing nutritional guidance in clinical practice.

METHODS: The DNP project participants were practicing advanced practice providers. The Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior (KAB) education theory and CREATION Life were used. This project used Qualtrics to send a pre-and post-intervention survey titled Student Survey for Nutritional Medicine. The intervention was a …

Vaccination Inequities Among Children 12-23 Months In India: An Analysis Of Inter-State Differences, Octavia K. Goodman, Abram L. Wagner, Dakota Riopelle, Joseph L. Mathew, Matthew L. Boulton

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background

Previous research has shown that socioeconomic and demographic risk factors in children are additive and lead to increasingly negative impacts on vaccination coverage. The goal of this study is to examine if different combinations of four risk factors (infant sex, birth order, maternal education level, and family wealth status) vary by state among children 12-23 months in India and to determine the impact of ≥ 1 risk factor on differences in state vaccination rates.

Methods

Using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in India between 2005 and 2006 (NFHS-3) and 2015-2016 (NFHS-4), full vaccination of children …

Bibliography, Kim Riddle

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Bibliography of presentations and research by Kim (Bourne) Riddle.

Bibliography, M. Susan Jones

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Bibliography of publications by M. Susan Jones.

The Effects Of Dental Hygiene Instrument Handles On Muscle Activity Production, Jessica R. Suedbeck, Daniel Russell, Cortney Armitano Lago, Emily A. Ludwig

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose The objective of this study was to compare the effects of ten commercially available instrument handle designs’ mass and diameter on forearm muscle activity during a simulated periodontal scaling experience.

Methods A convenience sample of 25 registered dental hygienists were recruited for this IRB-approved study. Ten commercially available instruments were categorized into four groups based on their masses and diameters: large diameter/light mass, small diameter/light mass, large diameter/heavy mass, and small diameter/heavy mass. Participants were randomized to four instruments with one from each group. Participants scaled with each instrument in a simulated oral environment while muscle activity was collected …

Relationship Between Preventive Health Behavior, Optimistic Bias, Hypochondria, And Mass Psychology In Relation To The Coronavirus Pandemic Among Young Adults In Korea, Dong-Suk Lee, Hyun-Ju Koo, Seung-Ok Choi, Ji-In Kim, Yeon Sook Kim

Nursing Faculty Publications

The great challenge to global public health caused by the coronavirus pandemic has lasted for two years in Korea. However, Korean young adults seem less compliant with preventive health behaviors than older adults. This study aims to explore the relationship between risk perception variables of optimistic bias, hypochondriasis, and mass psychology, and preventive health behavior in relation to the coronavirus pandemic through a cross-sectional online survey. The participants are 91 Korean young adults aged 19–30. The results show that mass psychology has a positive relationship with preventive health behavior, whereas optimistic bias and hypochondriasis do not. In detail, people with …