Nursing Commons^™

Reducing Suicide Ideation Through Healthcare Provider Training In The Use Of The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-Ssrs) In A Rural Community Mental Health Clinic, Lashunda R. Lewis

Doctoral Projects

This doctoral project aimed to address the inconsistent and inadequate assessment of suicide risk by healthcare professionals in a Rural Community Clinic. Staff members do not comprehensively understand the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale and vary in how they screen patients before the intervention. When we looked at the baseline, we found that only 45% of charts contained suicide risk screening, and C-SSRS was used in only 5% of cases. Some of the main obstacles reported were not properly training staff and keeping patients from sharing their thoughts on this subject.

The main objective of the doctoral project was to test …

Titer-First Vaccination Protocol In An Employee Health Clinic, Obehi Dickson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose:

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the clinical and financial outcomes of implementing a titer-first vaccination protocol for new employees at an Employee Health Clinic. This project sought to improve cost-effectiveness and reduce unnecessary vaccinations.

Background:

This project was conducted at a large healthcare organization in Houston, Texas, to address the cost burden of traditional vaccination protocols. Pre-vaccination serologic testing helps identify existing immunity, reducing unnecessary vaccinations and overall clinic costs.

Methodology:

The titer-first vaccination protocol includes serologic testing for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella, and hepatitis B, followed by vaccine administration for those without immunity. Data …

An Evaluation Of Training Strategies Among Healthcare Professionals During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study, Darshani D. Singh

Theses & Dissertations

Background: During Spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily displaced healthcare workers from suspended clinical work areas to inpatient critical care areas. Nurses were rapidly uptrained for unfamiliar roles in critical care using a variety of instructional formats.

Purpose: The purpose of this survey study was to evaluate the effectiveness of eight training strategies on healthcare workers' perceived competence, confidence, and satisfaction during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective, investigator-developed survey study examined the effectiveness of eight training strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic on three outcomes for professional registered nurses. The three outcomes were self-reports …

Culturally Centered, Primary Care Interventions For Effective Weight Management Goals In Hispanic/Latino Children, Remigio Acevedo

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE To implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a clinic-based childhood obesity intervention program for Hispanic/Latino children.

BACKGROUND From 1975 to 2016, childhood obesity rates have more than quadrupled, affecting Hispanic/Latino families the most. Growing evidence suggests that incorporating the family unit and utilizing culturally centered weight management interventions can be cost-effective and pragmatic compared to a standard, generic approach.

METHODOOLOGY A quality improvement project was initiated to provide information on the degree of success of a clinic-based childhood obesity program for Hispanic/Latino children and their parents. The intervention focused on delivering a culturally centered health promotion message based on …

Enhancing Person-Centred Care In The Final Years Of Life: Insights From Emergency Department Visits And Hospitalisations In Victorian Residential Aged Care (2015/16 To 2022/23), Janine J. Alan, Bridget Laging, Peter Cameron, Rohan Laging, James Boyd, Davina Porock, Sean Randall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To explore emergency hospitalisations from Victorian residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of Victorian RACFs transfers to ED from 2015/16 to 2022/23. Main outcome measures: (1) ED event rate per 100 RACF beds; (2) Number of ED events, day/time, triage category, reason, comorbidity profile, length of stay, death within 12 months of ED presentation and costs; (3) Relationship between resident characteristics and total ED events; (4) Number of inpatient events, comorbidity profile, length of stay, intensive care use, preventable hospitalisations, diagnosis-related group, deaths and costs. Results: The rate of ED presentations from Victorian RACFs from 2015/16 …

Hearing From Working Nurses: Incorporating Real-World Knowledge Practices Into The Framework To Better Instruct Tomorrow's Healthcare Professionals, Anne R. Diekema, Elizabeth (Betsy) S. Hopkins, Britt Fagerheim, Brandon Patterson, Nena Schvaneveldt

Faculty Publications

There is a certain duality to the role of librarians in higher education as the job requires preparing students for their current academic work, such as doing research for writing papers, while at the same time preparing students for their future professional information work. Librarians seeking guidance on teaching information literacy more comprehensively are left to study the professional standards of the targeted professional group, and find or carry out research on these practitioners. Synthesizing and translating these findings into instructional approaches while staying true to existing information literacy standards, however, can be challenging. In this chapter we demonstrate how …

The Lived Experiences Of Fathers With Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Study, Rachael Elizabeth Schmitz

Nursing and Health Sciences

Background:

Although parents may joyfully anticipate the birth of a child, it's impossible for them to know ahead of time just how profoundly their lives will change. Postpartum depression (PPD) can result. While there is a substantial body of research regarding maternal PPD, paternal PPD has received far less attention and is neither adequately understood nor diagnosed. This is exacerbated by outdated but persistent sociocultural masculinity norms and the stigmas around mental health issues.

Purpose:

This study sought to explore the lived experiences of new fathers with PPD in order to provide greater insight into their experiences.

Methods:

This qualitative …

Development And Implementation Of An Ob/L&D Sbar Framework To Enhance Communication Between Obstetric Nurses And Anesthesia Providers: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Jenna E. Bigam, Laina J. Uzarski

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Effective communication between obstetric (OB) nurses and anesthesia providers is critical to ensure patient safety during epidural placements in labor and delivery (L&D) settings. At a large teaching hospital, communication gaps were identified when OB nurses requested anesthesia for epidural placements without consistently providing vital patient information. The lack of structured communication can result in important details being overlooked, which may lead to delays in care and potential patient harm. To address this, the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication framework was implemented to standardize and improve information exchange. This Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) project aimed to enhance …

A Pilot Structured Mentorship Program To Increase Pediatric Advanced Practice Provider Engagement At An Academic Institution, Erica Annotti, Dnp, Aprn, Pnp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Introduction/Purpose: Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) transitioning into academic healthcare often face challenges related to role clarity, professional identity, and emotional support, which can hinder their engagement and retention. This quality improvement project aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a structured mentorship pilot program for pediatric APPs to increase work engagement by 10%.

Methods: Grounded in the Strong Model for Advanced Practice and Wagner’s Caring Mentorship Framework, the project employed a mixed-methods QI design. Four pediatric APPs (n=4) participated in an 8-week structured mentorship program. Interventions included the intentional pairing of mentors and mentees, biweekly one-on-one sessions, and targeted professional development …

Implementation Of A Zen Room To Decrease Perceived Stress: A Quality Improvement Project, Michelle Tat

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Introduction: This quality improvement project addresses a lack of quiet space for staff to de-stress. The goal was to create a Zen room at a substance abuse treatment facility to decrease self-perceived stress in staff by 15% within three months.

Methodology: The PDSA cycle was applied to the creation of a Zen room. Stress was measured with questions from the Perceived Stress Scale at baseline, entry, and exit. 23 participants recorded Zen room entry. Limitations included small sample size and exit survey attrition. Implementation challenges included budget issues and low response rates. Stress levels were compared at baseline, room entry, …

Compassionate Self-Care For Nurses And Midwives: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Study, Mary Steen, Shwikar Othman, Jennifer Fereday, Annette Briley, Qunyan Xu, Rachael Vernon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Awareness of being kind and compassionate to yourself is often overlooked despite emerging evidence that high levels of self-compassion decrease levels of anxiety and improves well-being. Aim: To explore what being compassionate to yourself means to nurses and midwives and increase knowledge and understanding of how self-compassion may enhance well-being. Methods: Mixed methods study design was utilised to investigate and explore the influence of self-compassion on nurses and midwives' well-being. Phase 1 involved quantitative data collection and analysis. Phase 2 qualitative data were collected to expand on quantitative results. Results: Fifty-four participants responded to a pre-workshop questionnaire, 55 completed …

Knowledge And Perceptions Of Modifiable Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Among Indians: Scoping Review, Kunwar Kaur, Ma'en Zaid Abu-Qamar, Amineh Rashidi, Nilufeur Mckay, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) causes a significant number of deaths globally. India has the highest IHD burden, with cases up 138% since 1990. Individuals of Indian descent face a greater risk of early IHD and poorer long-term outcomes. Indian people typically develop IHD a decade earlier than other populations, with 52% of IHD-related deaths occurring before the age of 70, compared to 23% in Western populations. Aims: This review aims to synthesise evidence on the Indian population's knowledge and perceptions of modifiable IHD risk factors and identify literature gaps. Methods: Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the Preferred Reporting …

Management Of Neonates In The Special Care Nursery And Its Impact On The Developing Gut Microbiota: A Comprehensive Clinical Review, Ravisha Srinivasjois, Shripada Rao, Gavin Pereira

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The first few days following the birth are a vulnerable time for the neonate. Sick infants experience various interventions during their stay in the neonatal unit in order to stay alive and grow. Acquisition of gut microbes is critical for the short- and long-term health of the neonate. At a time when the gut microbiome is starting to take shape, crucial interventions directed at improving the growth, development and survival of the neonate impact its development. Events prior to and after the birth of the neonate, such as maternal conditions, antibiotic exposure, type of feeds, supplemental probiotics, and neonatal intensive …

Measuring The Impact Of The Australian National Placement Evaluation Centre To Enhance Nursing And Midwifery Student Clinical Placements: A Multimodal Evaluation, Colleen Ryan, Robyn Cant, Areum Hyun, Debbie Procter, Louise Alexander, Dianne Bloxsome, Lynda Hughes, Fiona Bogossian, Simon Cooper

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To evaluate the early impact of the Centre. Background: The educational quality of nursing and midwifery student clinical placement learning varies. The National Placement Evaluation Centre has a pivotal role in quality improvement by systematically collecting student and supervisor feedback on placement experiences. Design: Multimodal impact evaluation. Methods: Data were collected from website analytics and a survey shared via stakeholder registration emails and social media. The Impact Management Planning and Evaluation Ladder model was used to understand impact. Data were analysed using a sequential, hybrid inductive/deductive approach. Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics and qualitative data were themed. Results: Website …

Organizational Health Literacy In Pediatric Cardiovascular Programs, Eva Gomez

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Health literacy refers to a person’s ability to access, understand and use health-related information in order to effectively manage one's health and navigate healthcare experiences. This responsibility does not rest solely upon the individual; healthcare organizations also have a vital role in assisting individuals in accessing, understanding and using health information through their interactions with the healthcare system. Organizational health literacy (OHL) can serve as a strategy to ensure that all individuals have equitable access to health information and services. The Ten Attributes of a Health Literate Healthcare Organization established the foundational principles of organizational health literacy. The present study …

The Lived Experiences Of Navajo Nurses During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Stephnie Ann Leeson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When COVID-19 was diagnosed on the Navajo Nation, the impact on the people and the healthcare system was not understood. For almost three years, Navajo healthcare workers battled what was known to the Navajo as Dikos Nitsaaígíí Náhást’éíts’áadah, translated as The Big Cough. The Navajo Nation President, Jonathan Nez, referred to it as a Monster, as did many people in the Navajo Nation. Navajo nurses on the frontlines battled the monster daily as they saw friends and relatives succumb to the insidious disease. Much has been written about nurses off the reservations working on the frontline during the pandemic. However, …

Enhancing Postpartum Depression Screening Rates: An Educational Intervention For Primary Care Pediatric Providers: A Quality Improvement Project, Jasmine Shaterra Jones

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project sought to increase postpartum depression (PPD) screening rates at a single pediatric primary care practice setting by implementing an educational intervention for pediatric providers. Postpartum depression is a common and debilitating mental health condition affecting many mothers worldwide. Postpartum depression impacts many women in the United States and affects all ethnicities, although rates may vary based on demographic and socioeconomic factors. Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for maternal PPD screening at one, two, four, and six months, well-child visits, national screening rates remain low, with a large number of cases undiagnosed. The current …

Improving Hiv Pep Patient Follow-Up Appointment And Laboratory Testing In A Telehealth Setting: A Quality Improvement Project, Ralston Lockett

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The ongoing HIV epidemic in the United States highlights the need for innovative prevention strategies, including non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP). This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated a telehealth-based intervention aimed at increasing HIV PEP follow-up appointments and laboratory completion rates, while also enhancing provider knowledge. Dual interventions included a patient reminder system and provider education. While provider knowledge significantly improved post-intervention, based on Cohen’s d effect size of 0.62, clinical significance was demonstrated by follow-up appointment rates declining from 44% pre-intervention to 41% post-intervention. Laboratory completion rates also decreased, with 53% of patients completing labs pre-intervention compared to …

Evaluation Of A Nurse Practitioner-Led Preoptimization Care Management Program’S Impact On Patient Satisfaction For Total Hip And Knee Arthroplasty, Bryttany Chambers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This evaluation project aimed to assess whether the nurse practitioner-led preoptimization care management program can increase patient satisfaction by improving the quality metrics, such as same-day ambulation post-surgery, discharge to home, and compliance in preoperative education. The evaluation retroactively reviewed 46 charts of primary total knee and hip arthroplasty patients, male (38%) and female (62%), aged 43 to 84. Using Fisher’s exact test to examine the Net Promoter Scores (NPS) for six months of the PCM program, there was no significant increase in patient satisfaction scores, despite PCM patients averaging 89% compared to non-PCM patients at 83%, based on an …

Educating Nurse Practitioners On Music-Based Interventions: An Evidence-Based Project, La’Keshia Henderson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Arts-based interventions (ABIs) harness the transformative power of art to enhance processes or situations, particularly those related to physiological, emotional, and psychological well-being. There are three types of arts-based interventions: visual, literary, and performing arts. Among these, music therapy, a form of performing arts intervention, has gained recognition as an effective approach for addressing mental health challenges. Music therapy has shown promise in reducing anxiety symptoms, offering a non-invasive and accessible form of support within ABI strategies. Purpose: This project assessed changes in nurse practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as their intentions to utilize music-based interventions in …