Adverse Childhood Experiences And The Impact Of Resiliency On Child Behavior: A Quality Improvement Project, Macy Kraft

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences can have a significant impact on a person’s future health and wellness. Therefore, it is necessary for healthcare professionals to increase their understanding of possible mediating factors to lessen the impact of these experiences should they occur.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based quality improvement initiative designed to enhance the formal behavioral assessments of pre-school children following the participation of their caregivers in an ACEs and resiliency educational intervention.

Methods: Implementation of a two-armed intervention; a brief educational session aimed at providing an introduction to ACEs and a …

Disaster Management And Triage, Nicole Sebastian, Johanna Brown, Liubov Hamadou, Lisa Kuang, Josiah Padilla, Matthew Romero, Kailey Trummert

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

Clarifying the Disaster Triage Plan for Volunteer Nursing Faculty and Students at a Private University Campus

This project provides a brief overview of the collaboration between campus security, the campus health clinic, and the nursing department at a private university in a disaster requiring medical triage. The partnership between campus security and senior nursing students aims to amplify the original plans of the current disaster preparedness and clarify volunteer roles for nursing students and faculty. Both agencies have emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and the support role the nursing department can play in these plans. The main goal of …

Partnering With A Family Shelter To Increase Access To Mychart, Elizabeth S. Stehle, Brenna Becerra, Zahra Diallo, Kristin Grassell, Cassandra Rodriguez-Cruz, Elaine Ahn, Lola Duropan

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

Partnering with a Family Shelter to Increase Access to MyChart

Over the past two months, our group of seven nursing students has collaborated with a local nonprofit homeless shelter for women and families. Many of the guests served by this organization are refugees or asylum seekers who have little to no exposure to the American healthcare system. Whether this is due to a low level of health literacy or lack of education surrounding access to health care, we identified a need in this population to increase the number of guests who can easily access their healthcare information. This need led …

Implementation Of Staff Education On Suicide Prevention, Julianne Ji, Hannah Cryder, Trista Joy, Isabel Pfingston, Jaylen Wilson, Kelsey Crosby, Ashlyn Mulcahey

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

Implementation of Staff Education on Suicide Prevention

Kelsey Crosby, Hannah Cryder, Julianne Ji, Trista Joy, Ashlyn Mulcahey, Isabel Pfingston, and Jaylen Wilson

School of Health Sciences, Seattle Pacific University

NUR4153: Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement

Dr. Bomin Shim

February 26, 2025

Implementation of Staff Education on Suicide Prevention

Our group, consisting of seven nursing students, partnered with an agency dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery from addictions of all forms, including substance use, gambling, and alcohol dependence. The agency focuses on helping them reach their full potential, minimize relapse, and maintain recovery. Elements of the agency’s work include providing two …

Decolonizing Global Health Research: Experiences From The Women In Health And Their Economic, Equity And Livelihood Statuses During Emergency Preparedness And Response (Wheeler) Study, Ahmed Adam, Lisa Lazarus, Bernadette Kina, Robert Lorway, Bilali Mazoya, Michaela Mantel, Marleen Temmerman, Lisa Avery, Evaline Chepchirchir Langat

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Decolonizing global health research involves rethinking power structures and research collaboration to prioritize the voices and experiences of communities that have been historically marginalized. Cross-sectoral and cross-regional partnerships based on reciprocity, trust, and transparency can be facilitated by decolonized research frameworks. To address global health issues in a way that is inclusive, context-specific, and genuinely advantageous to all parties involved, especially communities most impacted by health disparities, the ethics behind this change is imperative. We applied a decolonizing health research approach to the Women in Health and their Economic, Equity, and Livelihood Statuses During Emergency Preparedness and Response (WHEELER) study …

Implementation Of A Cascade Training Model To Enhance Emergency Care Capacity Of Healthcare Workers During The Covid-19 Outbreak In Uganda, Sulaiman Bugosera Wasukira, Carl Trevor Kambugu, Judith S. Nanyondo, Emmanuel Candia, Stephen Emmanuel Aporu, Cliff Asher Aliga

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction

Methods

Emergency Room Utilization Rates Among Unhoused Patients Receiving Care At A Student-Led Free Clinic, Lindsey Torres, Tina Gustin

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

Purpose statement: The purpose of this activity is to allow the learner to recognize the impact of a student-led clinic aimed at caring for those living in homelessness by providing accessible primary care and minimizing barriers to reduce avoidable emergency room utilization.

Objectives:

1. At the end of the presentation, learners will be able to discuss and demonstrate knowledge of outcomes related to emergency room visits when student-led clinics are implemented in their region.
2. To identify the most common reasons persons living in homelessness present to the emergency room to expand services in future practice.

Background: Studies have determined that unhoused …

The Impact Of Adopting Unicef Growth And Development Modules In Enhancing Nursing Students' Knowledge: A Qualitative Study, Yousef Eljeesh, Mahmoud Ayash

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

Background: The growth and development phase are an essential and critical period of human life, especially in the early stages. It was defined by most professionals as the interval from conception to eight years of age. This interval is vital for brain growth. In addition, these developmental years have a significant and lifelong impact on children. Thus, almost all children in these years need to be well cared. Aim: The study aimed to assess the impact of adopting UNICEF modules on nursing students' knowledge about growth and development concepts. Design: A qualitative study design was used to conduct the study. …

Integrating Health Education And Scabies Prevention In Correctional Facilities: A Path To Safer Inmate Populations, Bhavandeep Singh

Nursing | Senior Theses

Scabies is a highly transmissible skin infestation that represents a significant public health issue in correctional institutions. Inmates are particularly susceptible to scabies outbreaks due to factors such as high population density, cramped living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and frequent turnover of inmates. Addressing scabies in correctional facilities is vital for protecting inmate well-being, making it essential to explore the most effective ways to tackle this issue. This research aims to determine whether nurse-led educational training sessions for inmates can enhance their knowledge of scabies and effectively reduce its manifestations. This research proposal will use a quantitative-quasi research approach …

The Impact Of Roe V. Wade Overturning On Women’S Access To Medical Abortions: Exploring Alternative Care Models, Gillie Mason

Nursing | Senior Theses

This study explores the impact of educational interventions on California based Nurse Practitioners. And their willingness to provide telehealth abortion services in states with restrictions. By using a mixed methods approach it assesses how increased knowledge may help influence providers attitudes, adding to improved reproductive healthcare access. The study addresses the critical issue of reduced abortion access which stems from recent policy changes, which have left patients in certain regions with limited options. The literature shows that telemedicine and mail-order services hold promise for improving access. This research proposal explores the impact of educational interventions on California-based Nurse Practitioners’ willingness …

Improving Health Literacy Related To Hypertension In A Minority Faith-Based Population, Kasaundra M. Beverly-Marshall, Kasaundra M. Beverly-Marshall

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Background: Insufficient research on health literacy related to cardiovascular disease highlights a gap in healthcare. Healthy People 2030 and local community health programs acknowledge gaps in research with future goals to improve health literacy.

Local Problem: The health literacy rate for Winnebago County, IL (41%) is higher than both the State of Illinois and national health literacy rates, which aligns with the results of a community needs assessment survey.

Methods: A community-based health promotion project using a pre-post study design uses the health promotion model to engage participants in advancing cardiovascular health outcomes.

Interventions: DNP student assisted participants in creating …

Optimizing Advance Care Planning: Leveraging An Electronic Medical Record Prompt To Impact Advance Directive Documentation, Annette L. Meares

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Advance Directives (ADs) support patient-centered care by documenting preferences for future medical treatment. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) incentivizes AD documentation through billing codes, national adoption remains low.

Local Problem: A rural Northern Illinois primary care practice had electronic referral capabilities for ACP; however, referrals remained low and inconsistent during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs), limiting opportunities for AD completion.

Methods: This quality improvement project targeted Medicare AWV patients without ADs documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). During a 10-week pre-intervention period, baseline data were collected. In the subsequent 10-week intervention phase, an …

Toolkit To Promote Good Hand-Hygiene Among Kenyan School Children, Jo Martinez

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Introduction: Among healthcare providers and educators in Kenya who work with and educate school-aged children, a toolkit that includes a guideline, educational hand-hygiene posters, handouts, and resources on hand hygiene for children using graded literature, assists educators and healthcare providers with education of school-age children regarding sanitation.

Methods: The recommendations were created using a collection of graded literature. The recommendations were presented to stakeholders of healthcare providers and educators from urban and rural areas. The stakeholders rated each recommendation using a Likert scale from 1 – very poor to 4 – very good.

Results: Five of the six stakeholders who …

Improving Knowledge And Confidence Of Family Nurse Practitioners In Offering The Hpv Vaccine, Leni Terano Fisher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Introduction

Despite the recommendations of the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, HPV immunization lags behind other routine vaccines by up to 31%. Although there are many reasons for the low vaccine rate, provider hesitancy and lack of confidence significantly contribute to suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake.

Objectives

This project aimed to utilize evidence-driven interventions to increase family nurse practitioners' (FNPs) knowledge and confidence in offering the HPV vaccine.

Methods

Participants were given pre- and post-questionnaire surveys. The Wilcoxon Rank Test was used to compare, quantify, and measure the results of the eight-week data collection.

Results

The subjects were …

Optimizing Pelvic Health: Evaluating The Efficacy Of Prenatal Strength And Resistance Training Combined With Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises In Reducing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Risk, Samantha Requilman

Nursing | Senior Theses

While postnatal recovery is focused on the newborn, the mother’s health is equally important – particularly in preventing pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition that results in pelvic discomfort, incontinence, and a reduced quality of life. Although clinicians encourage pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) throughout pregnancy, POP is still prevalent among women, especially those who deliver vaginally. There are limited research studies on the effectiveness of prenatal resistance training in the prevention of pelvic dysfunctions and this study aims to address the gaps in the literature. So the question to address this study is: Does combining prenatal resistance training with …

The Role Of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners: Addressing The Shortage And Its Implications For Healthcare, Isabel Mary Mccarthy

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses specifically trained to perform forensic examinations and provide medical and emotional support to sexual assault victims. Many nursing programs lack formal education on SANE practices, which can hinder students' preparedness to address such cases in their future careers.

Method: A mixed-methods, three-phase approach to evaluate the effectiveness of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training module within the Dominican University of California Nursing Program. 40- 60 nursing students will be separated into two separate community health classes with one given module in SANEs nursing and the other not. Both classes …

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 …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Adolescents Sexual Health Education Disparities: A Comparative Study Of Inclusion, Cultural Barriers, Access, Policy In Relation To Health And Long Term Outcomes​, Sofia Vega

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Currently, across the different states, sexual health education varies in a range of comprehensive sexual health education to limited sexual health education. These differences in curriculum are not only different from each other but also within themselves. This creates disparities in the knowledge and access among adolescents within their sexual health, which then creates a range of complications involving confidence in knowledge, pregnancy, STIs, and overall inclusion. When granting access to contraceptives on an educational campus, along with education on contraceptives, it allows students to access these tools in a safe environment and increases usage of condoms, lowering the risk …

Prepared To Protect: Improving Cardiac Emergency Response Through Education And Action Planning In Youth Club Sports, Melissa Garcia

Nursing | Senior Theses

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in youth sports, illuminating the essential demand for adequate emergency response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) usage, and comprehensive emergency action plans (EAPs). Research shows that despite the importance of prompt intervention, the majority of youth club sports programs outside of the school setting lack the training and resources needed to respond effectively to SCA incidents. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an educational seminar that includes CPR/AED training and EAP simulation exercises in improving participants’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing cardiac emergencies. A quasi-experimental …

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 …

Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women Of Color In New York City: Biological And Systemic Impacts, Kaylin Peña

Pitzer Senior Theses

Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women of Color in New York City: Biological and Systemic Impacts

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore how racial health disparities, underrepresentation in gynecology, and socioeconomic barriers contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes among women of color in New York City. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines resources from medical anthropology and human biology, this research will examine the biological implications of chronic stress, specifically HPA axis dysregulation, and its role in maternal health outcomes. With the idea of intersectionality, as conceptualized by Kimberlé Crenshaw, the study analyzes the various effects of systemic inequities and social …

How To Save A Life: The Impact Of Death Prevention Education Including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation And Hemorrhage Control On Adolescents, Emily Charlton

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and uncontrolled traumatic bleeding are two of the leading causes of death globally. Death due to OHCA and bleeding is largely preventable. With appropriate bystander intervention, positive outcomes in cases of OHCA and traumatic bleeding would greatly increase. Purpose: Bystander ability and intent to provide emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and bleeding control is dependent on educational programs including death prevention first aid. Upon review of research, a gap was identified in adolescent death prevention training. The purpose of this proposed prospective study is to determine the effect of a high school education curriculum …

Enhancing Well- Being In Individuals With Special Needs: The Power Of Music Therapy, Nicole Love Lazaro

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background Anxiety and stress are silent burdens that weigh heavily on the well-being of many individuals with special needs. If left unnoticed it can lead to negative outcomes of their mental health and daily activities. Research shows that music therapy is effective for treating anxiety and depression in various healthcare settings, there is limited research on its use in individuals with special needs. This issue can leave many without access to a simple yet effective intervention that could enhance their quality of life and daily activities. Objective The purpose of this research proposal is to explore the effectiveness of music …

Optimizing Endogenous Glp-1 Holistically: A Nursing Led Approach To Sustainable Weight Loss Without Glp-1 Agonist Use, Taylee A. Carscadden

Nursing | Senior Theses

The increase in off-label Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic), for weight loss has sparked concern in regards to the not fully understood drug outcomes and safety. GLP-1 agonists were originally developed to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, but have been widely prescribed for obesity management despite minimal research on prolonged use in non-diabetic patients. This study explores how off-label use of GLP-1 agonist drugs exacerbate various adverse health outcomes, highlighting gastrointestinal complications, and the very possible dependency on drugs for weight management. It will also examine the efficacy of nursing-led education on the implementation of …

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, …

Nursing Students’ Attitudes And Preparedness For Maid, Kristal Candray

Nursing | Senior Theses

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) also known as physician-assisted suicide in addition to euthanasia is on the rise with an increase in decriminalization of the practice(s) and enactment of practice-protected policies in many countries. Ethics and morals on the subject continue to be controversial in healthcare. As student nurses enter the field as clinicians, they may encounter a patient requesting MAiD. Studies from students in other countries where MAiD and/or euthanasia is practiced found that student nurses do not feel adequately prepared to navigate such situations. However, although MAiD has been legalized in a handful of states within the United …

Nurses Current State Of Knowledge On Prion Disease, Chelsy Grande

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Prion disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. Creutzfeldt-Jakob prion disease rapidly progresses, caused by an infectious pathogen that misfolds the normal prion protein which results in an accumulation of cellular prion proteins. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, only palliative care to provide support as the disease progresses. There is a gap in providing support for the patients and their families due to the limited understanding from the nurses, which can lead to the unmet needs of patients and their families. The purpose of the study is to evaluate what nurses …

Nursing Education On Sleep Health And Its Impact On Insulin Resistance In Adolescents, Salamasina Tufa

Nursing | Senior Theses

Modern-day adolescents are increasingly at risk for poor sleep quality due to rapid physical and physiological changes and stressors from technology and social media. Recent research suggests poor sleep affects endocrine function and contributes to insulin resistance (IR), a precursor to Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This proposed quasi-experimental study will examine if a nurse-led sleep education program can improve sleep quality and decrease the incidence of IR in adolescents with poor sleep. A total of 100 participants aged 12-18 across Berkley, California who score ≥ 5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) will be randomly assigned to either …

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

Nursing | Student Research Posters

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 survey …