Other Nursing Commons^™

A Historical Study Of The Nursing Role, Kristen Montgomery, Jessica Aranda Bsn, Rn, Amanda Dalton Bsn, Rn, Machea Scott Bsn, Rn, Lisa Desantis Bsn, Rn, Halle Hilton Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Historically, nurses have been at the bedside simply following the direction of physicians, but much has changed since then.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine how the roles of nurses have changed over the decades, from pre-professional caregiving to advanced practice. This study focuses on the birth of nursing as a profession, the direct experiences of nurses from different generations, the shift in physician-directed care to collaborative care, how nurses interpret the impact of major healthcare transformations on their role, and the emergence and development of the nurse practitioner role.

Methods: The study was conducted using …

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) = …

Exploring The Impact Of A Multifaceted Standardized Wellness Program On Physical, Mental, Emotional, And Spiritual Health In Nurse Anesthesia Students, Lauren Kulaszewski, Amber Hurt

Scholars Week

Abstract

Purpose

Nurse anesthesia students experience substantial academic and clinical stress, placing them at increased risk for anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidal ideation. Despite this risk, there is limited guidance on the effectiveness of standardized, programmatic wellness initiatives in nurse anesthesia education. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether implementation of a standardized wellness program, compared with reliance on independent student-initiated practices, could improve mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being among second- and third-year nurse anesthesia students.

Methodology

A pre–post intervention design was used over a six-month period at a large academic institution. Second- and third-year nurse anesthesia …

Reducing Nurse Burnout, Kaylee R. Mofield

Scholars Week

I presented an evidence-based project to a healthcare facility with interventions and a suggested policy change to help reduce nurse burnout. One suggested policy change I made was changing the staffing policy. Within this new policy I suggest that if the patient census was 25 patients it calls for 5 nurses, 17-20 patient calls for 4 nurses, 16 or less patients calls for 3 nurses; along with no calling off staff due to census but rather utilizing this staff as a float or resource nurse. Another suggestion I made was nursing leadership holding monthly “check-in” meetings separate from the monthly …

Reducing 30-Day Readmissions: Simplifying Discharge, Olivia Hibbs

Scholars Week

Hospital readmissions within 30 days remain a major challenge for healthcare systems and are often linked to ineffective discharge communication and low patient health literacy. Improving discharge planning through simplified instructions, early education, and the teach-back method can help ensure patients understand their medications, follow-up care, and warning signs after leaving the hospital. Strengthening communication and care coordination during the transition from hospital to home may improve patient outcomes and reduce preventable readmissions.

Exploring The Relationship Between Behavioral Health Early Prediction Model And Patient Outcomes In The Emergency Department, Karen M. Richendollar, Kathie M. Zimbro

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Problem: Emergency departments (EDs) are increasingly utilized for mental health (MH) care, often resulting in overcrowding and delayed access to specialized services. A significant proportion of MH patients are discharged without a psychiatric consult, raising concerns about safety and readmission rates. This trend places additional strain on already limited behavioral health resources and contributes to care delays for patients in acute crisis. Moreover, the lack of standardized discharge criteria for MH patients increases variability in care and may compromise patient outcomes. Purpose: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Behavioral Health Early Discharge Prediction Model (BHEDPM) in identifying MH patients …

Improved Patient Outcomes With Continuous Video Monitoring, Ethan Morrison, Drake May, Jack L. Rideout

Scholars Week

Improved Patient Outcomes with Continuous Video Monitoring

Objective

The use of human sitters has been the normal policy in hospitals across the United States for years. Recently, there has been an introduction to remote video monitoring systems that are aimed at replacing the need for human sitters. Our goal is to change the policy of a local hospital in our area to adjust their stance on human sitters and implement remote video monitoring.

Methods/Results

Our method of accomplishing this involved a PowerPoint presentation and an evidence-based practice paper with three different scholarly research articles that have been peer-reviewed. We presented …

Preventing Falls On Trauma Units: A Nurse-Led Initiative For New Graduates, Callie Brown, Erin Mytt

Scholars Week

Patient falls are a leading cause of preventable injury in hospital trauma units. This nurse-led initiative introduces a structured educational program based on Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory to strengthen new nurses' skills and act as reinforcement for veteran nurses in fall prevention. The program includes risk assessment, envrionmental safety checks, patient education, nurse education and safe transfer training. Evidence from recent studies supports edcuation based, multidisciplinary interventions as the most effective strategy to reduce hospital falls. Implemented in phases, the intiative requires all new graduate trauma nurses to complete fall prevention training within six months of hire. Expected outcomes …

Implementing Diabetes Education And Prevention Protocol, Lilyanna B. Conkle, Alyssa M. Woodall

Scholars Week

This Evidence-Based Practice project proposes the implementation of a diabetes education and prevention protocol in school systems to address the rising prevalence of diabetes among students. The initiative includes mandatory pre-academic year training for school staff to improve recognition and response to diabetes related emergencies. To support school nurses, often the sole healthcare provider on campus; a mobile app will be introduced to alert personnel during emergencies and provide evidence-based intervention steps. This approach aims to enhance student safety, improve health outcomes, and ensure timely, coordinated care.

Teaming Up For Better Health: An Interprofessional Collaborative Approach To Older Adult Oral Care, Deborah Dowd, Jodie Lopez, Jennifer Goodman

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

Oral health is a critical component of overall health, significantly influencing systemic diseases and the quality of life in older adults. Conditions such as xerostomia, swallowing difficulties, and poor oral self-care are associated with aspiration pneumonia. Integrating oral health into healthcare in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is essential for preventing various conditions and improving quality of life. Effective oral hygiene is crucial in avoiding non-ventilator hospital-associated pneumonia by reducing oral biofilm and lowering the risk of pneumonia. Nurses' knowledge and care in oral health across healthcare settings are vital for positive health outcomes. Revising nursing curricula to incorporate oral health …

Ebp Implementing Telehealth In Outpatient Settings, Kylee Scott, Ellianna Grammer

Scholars Week

This evidence based practice project is researching if the implementation in outpatient settings would be beneficial. Specifically in the emergency department for areas such as triage and collaboration with other physicians.

The Implementation Of Music Therapy For Dementia Patients, Lauren Holcomb, Jessica Borror, Jenna Schanz

Scholars Week

This research looks into the implementation of music therapy for dementia patients in several different clinical settings. The framework for the research takes a look at person-centered nursing care which focuses on the patient as an individual with specific wants and needs.

After reviewing the research articles, aspects of changing patient care like adding implementations of personal speakers and playing music in group settings were brought up as recommendations for facilities caring for dementia patients.

With these recommendations, we believe that there will be a reduced use of pharmacological interventions for behavioral outbursts and reduce the use of restraints. Most …

Advancing Provider Knowledge On Precedex Use To Prevent Postoperative Delirium Through Targeted Education, Brian Gibbs

Scholars Week

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious and multifactorial complication commonly affecting elderly surgical patients. POD is associated with increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. The use of benzodiazepines and opioids during the perioperative period is a significant modifiable risk factor for POD. Despite the potential of Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) to reduce POD incidence due to its sedative, and analgesic properties, it is not widely available in many operating rooms (OR). This project aimed to educate anesthesia providers on the benefits of Precedex and its role in reducing POD in patients over 65 years old. A quality improvement project …

Cultural Education Interventions Impact On Cultural Competence, Kaylie V. Griffin Ms

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Problem: In the United States, there is a substantial increase in diversity. This increase in diversity poses multiple challenges for healthcare workers and healthcare systems. Because nurses care for patients with various cultural backgrounds, health beliefs and practices, and languages, cultural competency plays a pivotal role in providing patient-centered care. There is a need to enhance cultural education for healthcare workers to ensure that healthcare workers have the skills and knowledge to effectively engage with all patient populations. Implementing cultural education interventions seeks to increase healthcare workers' competency, communication, and patient outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this research question is …

Restoring Effective Sleep Time In Post Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Quality Improvement Project, Brooke Watts Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Restoring Effective Sleep Time in Post Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Quality Improvement Project

Brooke Watts, BSN, RN, DNP Student, Murray State University

Dr. Kristin Reid, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, DNP Program Director/Assistant Professor Murray State University

Aims: This quality improvement project was developed using DNP project guidelines provided through Murray State University and was designed to improve sleep in hospitalized cardiac surgery patients.

Processes: IRB approval was obtained from the healthcare institution and academic institution. This two-phase quality improvement project was designed to analyze the effects of a change in normalized hospital routines on self-reported sleep in post-cardiac surgery patients. …

Will The Implementation Of Nurse Competency Days Improve Knowledge And Satisfaction In Nursing Staff Of A Community Health Center?, Christina Morton

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Background: Nursing competencies are important for quality of care, patient safety, and identifying gaps in knowledge and skills. Patient harm has been linked to a lack of competency and insufficient policy and procedures.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to achieve standardization of nursing competencies within nurse-led clinics.

Aims: The aims of this project were to validate select competency days and determine the satisfaction of the competency days by the participants. The second aim of this project was to develop an electronic tracking form. A third aim was to develop and present a policy and procedure …

The Effects Of Age, Employment, Marriage, And Education On Academic Motivation In Undergraduate Nursing Students, Jessica Hamm Msn Rn Phd Student

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

The Effects of Age, Employment, Marriage, and Education on Academic Motivation in Undergraduate Nursing Students

Purpose: The amount of research on non-cognitive variables affecting motivation is limited in nursing students. By using Self-Determination Theory, faculty can determine what motivates students to learn which will allow the creation of a learning environment that promotes student achievement.

Aim: To determine the effect age, marriage status, employment, and education level have on academic motivation in nursing students in the third semester of a baccalaureate nursing program within the framework of Self-Determination Theory.

Method: A descriptive correlational design was used to identify the effect …

Promoting The Use For Sugammadex In Robotic- Assisted Surgeries:, Amr Ali

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Benefits Of The Use Of Probiotics In Preventing Secondary Infections, Sarah Cutcher

Scholars Week

Through evidence based research, the use of supplemental probiotics has been shown to have a positive effect in preventing secondary infections in hospital patients. Although there are other techniques that have decreased the incidence of infections, such as reducing invasive procedures and aseptic techniques, these are external procedures designed to prevent infection. Probiotics are an effective method of internally preventing infection. By studying certain infections and the effect that probiotics have on their prevention, researchers can safely conclude which bacteria strain could help to prevent each infection. Some different types of issues that will be looked at are healthcare acquired …

The Impact Of Spirituality On Patient Outcomes And How Nurses Can Implement Spirituality In Patient Care, Audrey Pittman

Scholars Week

This article studied the impact of spirituality on patient outcomes and how nurses can implement spirituality into patient care. This study looked at peer reviewed articles over the impact of spirituality on patient care. They found a positive impact of spiritual wellness and patient outcomes. Next it looked at how nurses could implement spiritual care into practice. This study found that the implementation of the FICA assessment tool would be a great first step in the right direction on no longer neglecting spiritual wellness.

Effects Of Clinical Competency In Nursing Students Following The Implementation Of Student-Led Learning, Cori E. Hack, Jacob N. Hicks

Scholars Week

Research and supporting evidence represent a gap identified in didactic learning between students and faculty. This gap shows emotional factors of the nursing curriculum that may suggest negative impacts on nursing students, but also improvements that can be made to increase students’ clinical competency levels. By adhering to strict definitions of student-led learning theory and clinical competency, we were able to create concrete evidence with measurable data that can contribute to the elimination of this gap in learning. Upon inspection of past text, we identified a need for further research on this topic to bring awareness and encourage this method …

Benefits Of Bedside Report, Konner Spalding, Hannah Mattingly

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

The Benefits Of Telehealth For Rural Communities, Cade Alberson, Taylor Alberson

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Go Forth With Wisdom & Leadership, Kristen Montgomery

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

see attached pp

Toxic Positivity: A Concept Analysis, Hannah G. Shipp, Katherine C. Hall

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Post-COVID-19 workforce issues have pushed terms like resilience and burnout further into the forefront of professional discourse. Strategies aimed to improve resilience, decrease burnout, and increase retention appear to be less effective in the current climate. One potential unexplored contributor is toxic positivity. The purpose of this research is to analyze the concept of toxic positivity and its relevance to nursing.

Aims: Research questions; “1) How is toxic positivity used across contexts?; 2) Whose perspectives are represented and whose are not?; 3) What are the dimensions of toxic positivity?; 4) How are the dimensions related?; and 5) How is …

The Benefits Of Using Patient Transfer Devices In The Emergency Department, Abby Lawhorn, Mikaylen Dearmond

Scholars Week

The Emergency Department (ED) is known as one of the most fast-paced environments in which nurses work. Because of the nature of their responsibilities and daily tasks, ED nurses are at high risk of injury. One of those tasks that occur multiple times throughout the day is patient transfers. The Emergency Department staff is constantly moving patients in and out of the unit. Most often, patients seen in the ED are weak, in pain, elderly, or unable to transfer from vehicles, ambulance, stretchers, or wheelchairs independently or without minimal assistance. Our research focuses on the benefits of using assistive devices …

Reducing Readmission (And Mortality) For Older Patients & Survivors Of Life-Threatening Conditions: A Study Using The Staarr Protocol, Akhenaten Amun

Symposium of Student Scholars

Readmission rates for patients admitted for heart failure, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, a myocardial infarction, a hip or knee arthroplasty, or coronary artery bypass surgery tend to have high readmission and mortality rates within 30 days of their discharge from a hospital. Starting in October 2012, the Healthcare Reimbursement Reduction Program enforced penalties on Medicare reimbursements for hospitals with readmission rates, for patients with the conditions above, were higher than averages based on facilities with similar characteristics and patient populations. Teach-back and verify (Klingbeil & Gibson, 2018), interdisciplinary teams that engage in patient care and support (Reiter-Palmon et al., …

Botulism Toxin And Its Affects On Spasticity, Paige Nicholas

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Spasticity is a symptom associated with spinal cord injury patients that is caused from an influx in excitatory and inhibitory signals controlling muscles and reflexes generating a pattern of spasms in a period of time. When not treated properly adverse effects include: contractures, respiratory arrest, pain, paralysis and decrease in efficiency of nursing and therapeutic care. Interventions including medications (i.e. baclofen, dantrolene, gabapentin), physical therapy, surgery and orthotic devices are used to decrease spasticity however show minimal effect, short duration and multiple side effects. These side effects include dizziness, weakness, confusion, headaches, nausea and constipation. Recent research has shown …

Do Automated Reposition And Alert Systems Reduce The Development Of Pressure Ulcer?, Adanech Jones

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Do Automated Reposition and Alert systems reduce the development of Pressure Ulcer?

Each year more than 2.5 million people in the USA develop pressure ulcers, which are painful skin lesions that increase the risk for serious infection in patients. In some cases, pressure ulcers, if left untreated can lead to death. In the USA, hospital acquired pressure injury costs (HAPI) has a possibility to exceed $26.8 billion. About 59% of these costs are disproportionately attributable to a small rate of Stages 3 and 4 full-thickness wounds, which occupy clinician time and resources. PUs occurs when bedridden or wheelchair bound …

Lowering Utis In Sci, Jennifer Walter

Symposium of Student Scholars

Lowering UTI Rates In SCI

Addressing UTI in spinal cord injury patients is significant because the high occurrence of UTIs adversely affects both the patient and health care organizations. Studies show that neurogenic bladder is common in SCI patients which results in increased retention of urine and rates of bacteria. This calls for continuous intermittent catheterizations, increasing risk of infection and compromising health of the patient. Studies found UTIs lead to greater hospitalization lengths, costs, and waste. The purpose of this project is to lower UTI rates by identifying bacteria in urine daily, thus treating UTI sooner. Urine cultures are …