Nursing Commons^™

Quality Improvement Project Enhancing Provider Education On Phq-9 Depression Screening To Improve Compliance, Obianuju Okafor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide; however, screening in primary care remains inconsistent. Even though the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated screening tool, its use is often limited by insufficient provider training. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate the impact of structured provider education on PHQ-9 screening practices, with the purpose of improving provider knowledge, confidence, and adherence to screening guidelines in a primary care setting. Guided by Donabedian's Model of Quality Care and Lewin's Change Theory and implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the project used a one-group pre/post design at an outpatient …

A Novel Scaffold-Based Model For Stage Ii Pressure Injury Simulation: Protocol Development And Future Directions In Tissue Engineering, Skyler B. Wrubleski

Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium

This study developed a 3D tissue-engineered scaffold to mimic human sacral skin for modeling pressure injuries. The scaffold consisted of a composite hydrogel of sodium alginate, gelatin, and tannic acid, crosslinked with calcium chloride. Swelling tests showed moderate hydration capacity, while wound mimic formation using a custom 3D-printed apparatus produced consistent morphology and dimensions comparable to human dermal tissue. The scaffold maintained structural integrity under prolonged compressive forces, demonstrating viability for pressure injury studies. Future work will incorporate a bilayer model with keratinocytes and fibroblasts and introduce elastin to enhance elasticity and mechanical properties. This approach aims to improve in …

Quality Improvement Project Empowering Nursing Instructors: Faculty Self-Efficacy & Consistency In Simulation Grading, April Guerin

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structured training on the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument (C-CEI) in improving nursing faculty self-efficacy and grading consistency in clinical student evaluations. Inconsistent clinical grading practices among nursing faculty create barriers to reliable competency evaluation and undermine student outcomes. Guided by the Donabedian Model and Lewin’s Change Theory, with implementation structured by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, a quasi-experimental pre-post intervention design was used. Participants include nursing faculty responsible for clinical evaluations, who completed structured C-CEI training delivered via self-paced modules in a learning management system. Faculty self-efficacy was measured using …

Predictors Of Success Among Accelerated Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Students: A Retrospective Study, Alison H. Davis, Jennifer Manning, Todd Tartavoulle, Adele Harrell, Kathleen Brennan, Mickey Pigg, Mary Dioise Ramos

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs attract students with diverse academic backgrounds and experiences. Understanding the factors that contribute to student success is essential for improving retention and program effectiveness. While prior research has explored predictors of success in traditional BSN programs, limited data exists on accelerated BSN students. Aim: This study aimed to describe the factors predicting the success of students enrolled in an accelerated second-degree BSN program. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 273 accelerated BSN students. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and academic characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess predictors …

The Relationship Between Nursing Faculty Sense Of Belonging And Faculty Intent To Stay, Heather M. Bowers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative and correlational study was to evaluate the relationship between workplace sense of belonging and intent to stay in the current nursing faculty role among full-time nursing faculty. The shortage of nursing faculty impacts the ability to prepare the next generation of nurses needed to meet worldwide nursing demands. Strategies to effectively recruit and retain nursing faculty are important considering the current shortage and increasing retirements of nursing faculty. While sense of belonging has been studied for student retention and studies are beginning to explore the importance of workplace belonging, the impact of organizational sense …

The Lived Experiences Of Micu Nurses During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study, Thomas Hopkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of MICU nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these experiences may inform disaster preparedness in the nursing curriculum. This research is guided by Watson’s (1979) theory of human caring. The theory emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and emotional support in nursing practice, and how these elements can be integrated into disaster preparedness training. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field notes, and guided journaling. The interviews were conducted via digital conferencing software over the internet. Field notes were recorded during the interviews. …

Enhancing Patient Understanding And Reducing Readmissions: Implementing A Structured Discharge Teaching Protocol In A Medical-Surgical Unit, Jawany Joseph

DNP Projects

Background

Hospital readmissions remain a critical challenge in healthcare, especially in medical-surgical units. The high rates of hospital readmissions are often linked to inadequate patient understanding of discharge instructions. Many patients struggle with deciphering discharge plans, leading to medication errors, missed follow-up appointments, and poor self-care management. A structured discharge teaching protocol has the potential to enhance patient comprehension, improve adherence to port-discharge care, and reduce readmission rates.

Project Goals

This project aimed to improve understanding of discharge instructions, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction with the discharge process. Specific objectives included increasing patient comprehension from 65% to 90% …

Quality Improvement Project Using Standardized Teaching Tools To Improve Skills Proficiency, Katrina Walker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Studies show that inconsistencies in teaching and evaluating skills proficiency in nursing programs can lead to student failure, delayed progression, and decreased faculty satisfaction. The purpose and aim of this quality improvement project was to determine whether the use of an evidence-based, standardized tool for teaching and evaluating Foley catheter insertion improved faculty satisfaction and teaching confidence compared to faculty-created checklists. The project utilized a quasi-experimental design guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice and Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) faculty implemented the standardized tool and completed pre- and post-intervention Likert-scale surveys measuring …

Improving Staff Knowledge On Hourly Rounding Using The 4ps To Reduce The Fall Rate, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

I designed this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project to develop an educational program that increases staff knowledge of hourly rounding using an evidence-based approach, specifically pain, position, potty, and possession (the 4Ps), to prevent falls among residents in a long-term care facility. According to facility leadership, the observed gap in practice was the nursing staff members’ lack of knowledge in performing hourly rounding. The facility’s fall records for the lockdown units indicated a surge in fall rate, with 32 falls among 62 residents per month, reflecting a need for action. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: For staff …

Active Learning And Nclex-Rn Pass Rate On First Attempt In Bsn And Adn Programs, Janette Tingson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Failing the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt affects not only the students and their families but also nursing programs. To increase NCLEX-RN pass rates, nursing programs are shifting from traditional teaching to active learning in their aim to produce nursing graduates who will pass the NCLEX-RN exams on the first attempt. The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study, guided by theory of constructivism, was to determine if there is a relationship between faculty’s use of active learning strategies (ALS) and nursing students’ NCLEX-RN pass rates on the first attempt in bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and associate degree in …

Quality Improvement Project Supporting The Novice Nurse Educator Through Onboarding Orientation Practices, Samantha Fouts

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There is a growing concern about a nursing faculty shortage. Many reasons exist, but one primary reason is a lack of support. Literature supports the argument that there is a lack of support for novice nursing faculty during their transition from expert clinician to novice educator. Literature also supports the need for formalized mentor programs, but gaps exist in determining successful models. This quality improvement project aimed to measure the impact on novice nursing faculty skill acquisition in a revised mentor program. The previous mentor program was outdated and lacked consistency. The program was updated using Benner’s novice-to-expert theory and …

Quality Improvement Project Enhancing Nursing Faculty Competency In Dimensional Analysis: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Kimberly Mcdonald

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Medication dosage calculation errors remain a persistent concern in nursing education and practice, often tied to inconsistent teaching methods that leave students unsure and underprepared. Dimensional analysis (DA) has been shown to improve accuracy and confidence in solving dosage problems, yet many faculty have not received structured training in this method. To address that gap, a quality improvement (QI) project introduced a six-week DA training program for nursing faculty in a pre-licensure program. The initiative was guided by the Roy Adaptation Model and Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory, with change supported through Kotter’s 8-Step Model and the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework. Using a quasi-experimental, …

Quality Improvement Project Integration Of Mentoring Into A Registered Nurse Transition To Practice Program, Sherry L. Roberson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

New graduate nurses (NGNs), who constitute the majority of the nursing workforce, face significant challenges due to high patient acuity, staffing shortages, and long shifts, resulting in risks of burnout, turnover, and impaired patient care. Transition to practice programs, or nurse residency programs (NRPs), are evidence-based solutions designed to support NGNs effectively in their transition to the profession. A key component of NRPs is mentoring, which provides longitudinal support to ease this transition. Research shows that mentorship is associated with increased feelings of support, self-confidence, resilience, and competence among NGNs, while also reducing stress. A needs assessment at the project …

Ask Me 3® In Action Advancing Health Literacy In Pediatric Acute Care, Yaseming Medina

EBP Fellowship

Background: Parents and caregivers’ understanding of how to provide safe and effective care at home is vital. However, elevated levels of stress and limited health literacy face significant challenges in understanding discharge instructions.

For parents of pediatric patients seen in an acute perioperative setting, how will the use of the Ask Me 3® health literacy tool impact understanding of medical information and communication with healthcare providers?

Literature Evidence: Patients who understand heath instructions make fewer mistakes when they take their medicine, follow treatment plans, and prepare for medical appointments (Six-Means, Amy, et al, May 2012). Patients have reported …

Empowering Nurses: A Training Initiative On Essential Oils For Pediatric Neurosurgery Patients, Sheri Sacks

EBP Fellowship

PICO Question: In pediatric neurosurgical bedside nurses, does education on lavender essential oil, compared to no education, improve knowledge, confidence and intent to integrateit as a complementary therapy for TBI patients?

Literature Review: Pediatric neurosurgery patients often face increased anxiety and agitation. Nurses may lack knowledge of non-pharmacological interventions to reduce agitation and anxiety in their patients. Literature review used MeSH Headings and keywords to find recent English articles. Evidence shows EO reduces anxiety. Lavender inhalation lowers anxiety, pain, and vital signs in pediatric dental patients. In adults, aromatherapy decreases anxiety, pain, blood pressure, and improves sleep, also …

Fierce And Focused - Virtual Reality Support For Pediatric Oncology Patients, Javarius Barber-Esparza

EBP Fellowship

Practice Problem: Pediatric oncology patients often experience anxiety during needle procedures. Even with anesthetic pain management in place, visually encountering the needle can be more distressing than the procedure itself. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a nonpharmacological tool that provides immersive distraction, effectively lowering pain perception and anxiety. Studies show VR reduces anxiety during medical procedures, including accessing Implanted venous access devices (IVAD). Yet, its adoption in pediatric oncology settings remains limited.

Literature/Evidence: Search strategy in the CINAHL (EBSCOhost) database used MeSH headings and keywords, including English articles published within the last five years. Studies show that …

Improving Confidence And Competence In Treating Pediatric Peripheral Intravenous Extravasation, Ann Gosdin

EBP Fellowship

Practice Problem: Peripheral Intravenous Infiltrations and Extravasation (PIVIE) can cause severe skin and tissue damage. Prompt intervention helps prevent moderate or severe skin tissue damage. In the U.S. PIVIE complications can cost $10,895 versus $7,009 per patient without PIVIE. An Australian ED estimated the annual cost of PIV occlusion/infiltration and dislodgement of $14.01 million Australian dollars.

Quality event reviews demonstrated a staff knowledge deficit of treating extravasations per guidelines. Treatment could be delayed if the Vascular Access Team (VAT) was not available. Education on treatment of IV extravasation was needed to address this practice gap.

PICO(T) Question: In …

Quality Improvement Project Diabetes Self-Management Education Training Program, Guylene Lucien

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Diabetes is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States; therefore, effective Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is vital in improving patient outcomes. A needs assessment of the Practice site identified gaps in provider confidence and frequency and consistency of delivering DSME that correlated with poor patient adherence and readmissions. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a structured, evidence-based DSME training program to improve healthcare provider self-efficacy to provide DSME. The project utilized Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and the ADKAR change model and employed a quasi-experimental, one-group pretest–posttest design. Ten providers (six …

Quality Improvement Project Optimizing Opioid Screening: The Impact Of Staff Education In A Pain Management Clinic., Khairunnisa Khan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Chronic pain is a complex condition that often requires long-term opioid therapy, creating challenges for safe prescribing and patient monitoring. Inadequate screening for opioid misuse risk can contribute to unsafe practices, regulatory noncompliance, and patient harm. Validated instruments such as the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) and the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM) are available to guide risk assessment, yet their use in everyday practice remains inconsistent. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate whether targeted staff education improved compliance with opioid risk assessment documentation in a rural pain management clinic. A pre-/post-intervention design was …

Music For Self-Care, A Nurse Well-Being Strategy, Kristen Gilmore Msn, Rn, Cen, Tcrn, Ne-Bc, Nc-Bc, Allison Mccrea Mmt, Mt-Bc, Stephen Didonato Phd, Lcp

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

Background

• Evidence suggests that individuals with trauma exposure, such as the impact of crisis such as COVID-19, may benefit from music therapy.
• In 2021, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) recognized the importance of ensuring well-being of the nursing workforce identifying the vital role that nursing plays upholding the highest standards of patient care.
• HAP, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, created a three year, first of its kind program, to support the provision of music therapy program services for healthcare workers.
• Through this grant-funded program, Jefferson Health- Pennsylvania hospitals, were awarded $162,000. This grant …