Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Proof-Of-Concept Development And Preclinical Evaluation Of A Microarray Patch Platform For Codelivery Of Multiple Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies For Hiv Prevention, M. Melissa Peet, Vivek Agrahari, Parbeen Singh, Lam Luong Hoai Nguyen, Louise A. Ouattara, Eun Sung Yang, Carolina Herrera, Amarendra Pegu, Theodore C. Pierson, Thanh D. Nguyen, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are advancing as a preventative or treatment option for HIV infection, but currently must be administered parenterally, typically as a large injection or infusion, an invasive method of delivery, especially for the pediatric population. Here, we present proof-of-concept data on a minimally invasive microneedle (MN) patch platform codelivering three bnAbs, PGT121, VRC07-523LS, and PGDM1400LS, from separate MN patch units or pixels. Each 1 cm² patch pixel, fabricated via solvent casting, contained similar to 2 mg of one bnAb. In ex vivo porcine skin tests, the MNs effectively penetrated the skin. When tested in vitro in PBS …

Paternal Involvement And Bonding In Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Evaluating Daily Caregiving, Emotional Well-Being, And Father-Infant Connection, Ava G. Kinyon

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Premature birth and serious neonatal conditions frequently require infants to obtain care in the NICU, producing psychological and emotional obstacles for families. Despite the fact that skin-to-skin contact has been extensively researched for its strengths in encouraging stability and bonding, there persists restricted importance and understanding on paternal participation in routine caregiving tasks such as feeding, diapering, temperature checks, and swaddling. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate paternal participation in daily NICU caregiving tasks to address gaps in comprehending how these experiences impact bonding and emotional well-being among fathers of hospitalized infants. Methods: This study will employ a quasi-experimental …

Enhancing Nursing Education To Improve Care For Women Experiencing A Substance Use Disorder During Pregnancy, Sadie Caddell

Honors Theses and Capstones

Introduction: Nursing education prepares students to care for patient populations by enhancing knowledge of clinical pathophysiology and applying foundational nursing skills to tailor to the unique care requirements of each patient. When analyzing the nursing course curriculums as guides for what is included in nursing education, it is essential to consider relevant patient populations to ensure adequate representation in lectures. Inclusivity of relevant patient populations within curriculums equips students to encounter a variety of patients in a clinical setting. Perinatal substance use has prevalence in the local community of this university, with 6% of all births in New Hampshire in …

Intra-Amniotic Infection (Iai) Prevention, Shelbie Clement, Deanna Conley

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Comparing Nurse-Led Holistic Pain Relief Strategies And Sole Pharmacological Use In Enhancing Maternal Satisfaction, Reducing Pain, And Lowering Obstetric Interventions During Childbirth, Jessica C. Moore

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Childbirth has become heavily reliant on pharmacological management and obstetric interventions such as epidural use, labor induction, and cesarean deliveries (C-sections) even among low-risk pregnancies. While necessary in some cases, excessive reliance on pharmacological interventions can negatively impact the experience of birthing as a whole. Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) such as breathing techniques, positioning, hydrotherapy, massage, aromatherapy and continuous support have shown to be effective in reducing pain and supporting physiologic labor. The gaps in education and lack of standard implementation result in inconsistent application in practice. Purpose: This research proposal aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led NPIs compared …

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 …

Human Milk Feeding And Its Impact On The Incidence Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Maya C. Kern

Nursing | Senior Theses

One of the leading causes of morbidity and death for preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns is still necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Existing literature consistently shows that the bioactive, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome-supporting components of human breast milk, including donor human milk, significantly lower the incidence of NEC. However, a lot of infants are forced to rely on formula and nutrient fortifiers because they cannot obtain maternal or donor milk. A critical gap persists regarding whether human milk derived fortifiers offer greater NEC protection than bovine derived fortifiers in infants who must receive formula. This thesis examines three interconnected themes; …

Implementing A Standardized Resilience Bundle For Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses, Jennifer Bouzid

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Background: Nurse resilience is associated with improved psychological well-being, professional satisfaction, and retention. Neonatal intensive care unit nurses are frequently exposed to emotionally traumatic clinical events that may contribute to burnout, compassion fatigue, and turnover. A women’s hospital in central Texas identified increased nurse turnover and lower employee engagement scores related to well-being and intent to stay within the neonatal intensive care unit.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate a standardized resilience support bundle for nurses following traumatic clinical events.

Methods: Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, the project implemented a resilience bundle that …

Routine Guided Meditation In Nicu Nurses: A Coping Strategy For Nicu Nurses Dealing With Newborn Deaths, Gianna Wong

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose: This research study aims to investigate the emotional impact of newborn deaths on Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses in addition to evaluating their perceptions of routine guided meditation as an effective coping mechanism to manage professional grief and enhance psychological well-being. Methods: Utilizing an exploratory descriptive research design grounded in Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM), this study examines the lived experiences and health-promoting behaviors of neonatal nurses following newborn deaths. Data: Anticipatory collection of data will be from a sample of NICU nurses based in California through a twelve-question survey featuring open-ended questions. Qualitative content analysis will be …

The Use Of Human Milk Versus Formula Feeding To Decrease The Incidence Of Nec For Preterm Infants In The Nicu: An Integrative Research Review (Irr), Shelby Everard Larkins-Hutchins

Covenant Nurses Week 2026

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Early Breastfeeding Initiation: An Integrative Review Of Barriers And Education, Staci Shaw

Covenant Nurses Week 2026

No abstract provided.

Socioeconomic Influences On Doula Access And Perceived Care Quality Among Black Women Experiencing Severe Maternal Morbidity, Deborah Esene

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Black women experience disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, making it essential to examine access to and the perceived impact of doula support. This study examines whether socioeconomic status influences access to and the perceived benefits of doula support among Black women who experienced severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Researchers surveyed Black women ages 18-49 who had a live birth within the past two years and experienced SMM. Participants were recruited and completed an online survey in late 2020. Key variables included income, education, doula use, and perceived quality of prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care. Among 188 participants, 12.2% …

Feeding Mode Is Associated With Infant Night Sleep Trajectories During The First Postnatal Year, Magdalena Olson, Li Liu, Elizabeth Reifsnider, Dean V. Coonrod, Sarada S. Panchanathan, Megan E. Petrov, Corrie M. Whisner

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Short sleep and formula feeding during infancy are associated with increased risk of childhood obesity. Feeding practices and sleep arrangements vary during infancy and may also be dynamic, yet their impact on infant night sleep duration remains unclear. Understanding these relationships is crucial for formulating recommendations to support breastfeeding and address sleep concerns. Objective: We examined the association between feeding mode and parent-reported infant night sleep duration during the first postnatal year, while additionally evaluating night-weaning and bedsharing as contextual sleep-related practices. Methods: Infants in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area (n = 193) were followed up at 3, 8, 13, …

Proof-Of-Concept Development And Preclinical Evaluation Of A Microarray Patch Platform For Codelivery Of Multiple Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies For Hiv Prevention, M. Melissa Peet, Vivek Agrahari, Parbeen Singh, Lam Luong Hoai Nguyen, Louise A. Ouattara, Eun Sung Yang, Carolina Herrera, Amarendra Pegu, Theodore C. Pierson, Thanh D. Nguyen, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are advancing as a preventative or treatment option for HIV infection, but currently must be administered parenterally, typically as a large injection or infusion, an invasive method of delivery, especially for the pediatric population. Here, we present proof-of-concept data on a minimally invasive microneedle (MN) patch platform codelivering three bnAbs, PGT121, VRC07-523LS, and PGDM1400LS, from separate MN patch units or pixels. Each 1 cm² patch pixel, fabricated via solvent casting, contained ∼2 mg of one bnAb. In ex vivo porcine skin tests, the MNs effectively penetrated the skin. When tested in vitro in PBS buffer, MNs …

Eeg Signatures Of Motor Development In Early Childhood: A Systematic Review, Sonia Khurana, Ashwini Kulkarni, Thomas C. Bulea, Hunter J. Bennett

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Early identification of motor developmental disorders is limited due to lack of objective neural markers that characterize typical neurodevelopmental patterns. This systematic review interprets and synthesizes existing evidence to propose a framework of EEG signatures associated with motor development in children aged 0-5 years, which may help inform future benchmarks for early assessment and intervention.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched published and gray literature across five databases between 2000 and 2025 (registered protocol). Included studies examined EEG during task-based, resting-state, or sleep studies linked to motor milestones, task performance, or standardized motor assessments. Study quality was assessed using …

Implementing A Nurse Re-Education Program To Promote Timely Use Of The Jada® System In The Postpartum Hemorrhage Cascade: A Quality Improvement Project, Maegan E. Doody

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), defined as blood loss greater than 1,000 mL after delivery, is a leading cause of maternal morbidity in the United States. Identification of risk factors and timely intervention are critical to improving maternal outcomes after delivery. First-line interventions include manual uterine massage, uterotonic medications, and antifibrinolytic medications; however, when bleeding is not well controlled, the Jada® System (Jada) is a newer vacuum-induced hemorrhage control device with a high efficacy and safety profile, particularly when implemented earlier in the hemorrhage cascade.

Local Problem: In 2025, the annual rate of PPH within the microsystem was 7.29%, …

Promoting Equitable Access To Postpartum Hemorrhage Education: A Quality Improvement Project Using Educational Interventions For Night Shift Nurses, Michelle Stella

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious condition that can lead to maternal morbidity or mortality following the birth of their child. It is important for nurses to be properly educated to manage this condition quickly and efficiently. Night shift nurses often face barriers to accessing educational opportunities during their shift because most education is tailored to daytime hours.

Local Problem: At the project site facility, night shift nurses perceived inconsistent access to education compared to day shift nurses. This gap highlighted the need for more flexible educational modalities to meet the needs of night shift nurses.

Methods: This …

Improving Equipment Safety And Operational Efficiency In The Labor And Delivery Setting Using A Standardized Bedside Equipment Checklist: A Quality Improvement Project, Clara E. Lane

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Timely and effective neonatal resuscitation depends on the immediate availability and functionality of emergency equipment. Within labor and delivery settings, equipment failures or delays in obtaining necessary supplies and equipment can be detrimental to neonatal health outcomes. Standardized equipment verification processes have been recommended to improve equipment readiness and reduce preventable delays in care provision during neonatal emergencies.

Local Problem: Baseline observational data within the labor and delivery microsystem identified inconsistencies in equipment verification processes, resulting in variable equipment readiness across the microsystem. Staff reported variations in room preparation, safety checks, and concerns related to missing or malfunctioning equipment …

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 …

Magnifying Mental Health In The Perinatal Population: A Systematic Review, Kasey E. Arnold, Alyssa M. Maki

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Pregnant individuals often experience significant anxiety, which can negatively affect both pregnancy and fetal outcomes. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of pharmacologic versus non-pharmacologic anxiety-relieving interventions, primarily focusing on the labor period. The PICOT question is: In perinatal patients, do non-pharmacologic anxiety-relieving measures, compared to pharmacologic anxiety-relieving measures, have a greater impact on ease of delivery and overall mental health during pregnancy and the perinatal period? PRISMA (2020) guidelines were used with inclusion criteria of human subjects, English language, and published within the last six years. Databases included PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Twenty-three studies were analyzed to examine …