Nursing Commons^™

Replication Of “Assessing The Student Nurses’ Knowledge Of Oral Health Care”, Heaven Mcnalty

Honors Theses

Oral health is an important part of overall health and well-being. In nursing care, maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent infections, improves comfort, and supports nutrition especially in patients who are extremely sick, elderly, or unable to care for themselves. Nurses play a key role in assessing and promoting oral health as part of the daily care that they provide to patients. Even though oral health is important, it is often not emphasized enough in nursing education. Many nursing students may not get enough training or experience in this area, which can lead to gaps in their knowledge and confidence …

Labour Companionship And Respectful Treatment Of Women During Childbirth: A Cross-Sectional Study Across 16 Hospitals In Benin, Malawi, Tanzania And Uganda, Soha El-Halabi, Kristi Sidney Annerstedt, Christian Agossou, Fadhlun Al-Beity, Andrea B. Pembe, Phillip Wanduru, Bianca Kandeya, Jean-Paul Dossou, Helle Molsted-Alvesson, Claudia Hanson

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction: Evidence suggests that women value and benefit from having a labour companion during childbirth. However, the applicability of the evidence to low-income and lower-middle-income countries is limited and varies. Thus, we assessed the association between the presence of labour companions and mistreatment in 16 hospitals of Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a validated questionnaire administered to women at discharge after birth between December 2021 and March 2024. The main outcomes were factor-weighted respectful treatment score and its subscores on maintained respect and dignity, privacy and maintained confidentiality and no physical and verbal …

Exercise As An Intervention For Postpartum Depression (Ppd), Kylie P. Mistretta

Honors Scholar Theses

Objective: To illustrate the applications of exercise for preventing the development of postpartum depression (PPD) and addressing associated risk factors identified in the literature. Data Sources: PubMed and EBSCO: Academic Search Premier were accessed using the search terms exercise OR physical activity OR yoga AND postpartum depression OR postnatal depression. A secondary search of PubMed was conducted using the search terms exercise AND pregnancy AND depression OR gestational diabetes OR weight gain OR sleep quality.

Study Selection: Studies selected for inclusion were peer-reviewed, published after January 2012, written in English, and relevant to the PPD risk factors examined. Only clinical …

Nurse-Physicians: From Nursing School To Practicing Physician, Tobias Fraedrich

Honors Scholar Theses

Nurse-physicians are healthcare professionals who have obtained both a nursing degree and a medical degree, transitioning from Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to a licensed physician, including Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), or Naturopathic Doctor (ND). Research on this phenomenon conducted to date is limited to a single study. Some nonresearch sources indicate a small presence of this topic online. Yin’s (2018) descriptive, multiple-case study approach was employed to investigate the phenomenon using oral history interviews and a survey of the online platform YouTube as data sources. For the intention of pursuing this …

An Exploration Of Bedside Critical Care Nurses’ Attitudes Towards The Teleicu, Theresa Marie Drucker

Theses & Dissertations

Background

Acute care facilities are seeing an increased demand for critical care resources, given the increasing aging population with more complex health problems, retiring healthcare professionals, and subsequent decreasing supply of new expertise (Shahpori et al., 2011). Telehealth in the ICU is a valuable resource that some hospitals have employed to bridge this gap. The use of the teleICU has been associated with improved outcomes for patients (Williams et al., 2019), and reduction in failure to rescue (FTR) events. Despite the increasing availability of teleICU programs and the associated potential benefits, there continue to be inconsistencies in terms of usage …

The Effects Of Retrieval Practice On Knowledge Acquisition And Durable Learning In Undergraduate Nursing Students, Jessica Everritt Gay

Dissertations

Recent reports of unpreparedness and failure to rescue incidents among new graduate nurses are concerning for nurse educators and health care. New graduates must retrieve and apply learned knowledge to make sound clinical decisions, emphasizing the need for durable learning and knowledge acquisition. Durable learning, which involves understanding and recalling learned information days, weeks, or months later is crucial for clinical judgment. Nurse educators should facilitate durable learning through effective, evidence-based learning techniques such as retrieval practice (RP), which has shown promise in health professions education but is underutilized in nursing education.

This study explored the impact of RP on …

Is There A Relationship Between Motivation And Nursing Student Engagement? A Quantitative, Cross-Sectional, Correlational Study, Angela Coes

Dissertations

Nursing education is concerned with helping to alleviate the nursing shortage in the United States; this can be done by graduating safe competent novice nurses. Motivation and engagement levels in nursing students have been tied to better academic outcomes including graduation rates, transition to practice, and first time National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses pass rates. There was a gap in prelicensure nursing education research in the United States concerning the relationship among motivation, engagement, and possible influential variables.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between motivation and academic engagement among prelicensure nursing students in …

The Role Of Self Esteem Upon The Recovery Of Eating Disordered Patients, Samanta Flores Velazquez

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Eating disorders such as anorexia-nervosa, bulimia-nervosa, and binge-eating disorders are detrimental to overall health and well-being. The demands of beauty ideals and attitudes impact young adults negatively as they attempt to meet societal beauty standards. The need for approval, fitting in with the community, and confidence drive the behaviors of people in negative ways. In recent years, the modernization of social media has contributed to dieting cultures, the thin ideal, harmful weight-loss practices, and the cycle to use the body as a means to control or repent. External factors affect the risk of eating disorders which contribute to the challenge …

Interventions Of Eating Habits And Healthy Behaviors, Diego Armando Mazariegos Espinosa

Undergraduate Honors Theses

About thirty to fifty percent of college students report having negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, hopelessness, shame, fear, and more. And over seventy percent feel exhausted or overwhelmed by schoolwork. According to scholarly research, these emotions pose obstacles during college life impacting the eating habits and healthy behaviors of college students. These habits can have a possibility of bringing lifelong issues in social, educational, and self-esteem aspects. Technology has revolutionized the world in a spectacular way in a short period of time. As students today have access to all sorts of technology like phones and computers, the …

Produce Prescription Policy Project For The Securement Of A Grant To Address Food Insecurity For Low-Income Type Ii Diabetic Patients, Isabel D. Garcia-Gallegos

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE

This policy-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aims to secure grant funding through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) to implement a produce prescription program at a community clinic in Texas. The program targets low-income adults (18-65 years) with type II diabetes who experience food insecurity and are affected by Medicaid non-expansion.

BACKGROUND

Texas’ decision not to expand Medicaid has exacerbated food insecurity among low-income residents, particularly those managing type II diabetes. This decision creates a healthcare policy gap that this project aims to address with a food-as-medicine program.

METHODOLOGY

Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) …

Improving Scheduling Accuracy Through A Standardized Dermatology Consult Order, Deion Whitehead

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Improving Scheduling Accuracy through a Standardized Dermatology Consult Order

PURPOSE

This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve scheduling accuracy and reduce referral errors in a dermatology department by implementing a standardized consult order form within the electronic health record (EHR).

BACKGROUND

Inaccurate dermatology referrals led to misdirected consultations, increased reconsultation rates, and treatment delays. A lack of standardization contributed to inefficiencies, impacting patient outcomes and workflow. Implementing a structured referral form aimed to enhance triaging accuracy and improve timely dermatologic care.

METHODOLOGY

A pre- and post-intervention design was used. An eight-week baseline data collection period (n=288) assessed existing referral …

Managing Cardiovascular Health In The Hispanic Community: Implementing The Share Approach At A Primary Care Clinic, Jacqueline Molina

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of the Seek, Help, Assess, Reach, and Evaluate (SHARE) approach in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the Hispanic population at a primary care clinic while improving health literacy. The aim was that by February 2025, Hispanic patients at the clinic would achieve a 10% reduction in CVD risk factors.

Background: The project was implemented at a small private primary care clinic in Texas. CVD risk factors prevalent include hypertension, mixed hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus.

Methodology: Before implementation provider and staff were educated on the SHARE …

Factors That Influence International Nursing Students’ Experiences And Perceptions Of Their Learning Environments: A Scoping Review, Fatch Welcome Kalembo, Sally Wilson, Terena Solomons, Irene Ngune, Eric Lim, Anna Bosco, Paul Kebble, John Taplin, Janie Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: The objective of this review was to explore factors that influence international undergraduate nursing students’ experiences and perceptions of their learning environment. Introduction: In the past 2 decades, international student enrollment in tertiary education increased globally, with English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States attracting a significant majority of these students. Many of these international students are attracted to studies in health professions and related sciences, particularly nursing. Despite their economic and cultural contributions to the host country, international nursing students face numerous challenges that affect their learning experiences. Inclusion criteria: Peer-reviewed studies …

Indirect Evidence Of Sex-Selective Abortion Practices To The Imbalanced Sex Ratio At Birth In Australian Migrant Populations, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin, Gizachew A. Tessema, Ravisha Srinivasjois, Judith A. Daire, Kevin A. Chai, Bereket Duko, Kalayu Brhane Mruts, Gavin Pereira

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A skewed sex ratio at birth (SRB), commonly observed in countries with high son preference can be attributed to prenatal sex-selective abortion. However, the possibility of sex selection among migrants in high-income countries has received little attention. Our study aims to identify the indirect evidence of sex-selective abortion practices to the SRB imbalance in a large Australian cohort. Our study aims to identify the indirect evidence of sex-selective abortion practices to the SRB imbalance in a large Australian cohort. In this population-based study, perinatal data were obtained from all registered births in Western Australia (WA) and New South Wales (NSW) …

Predicting Perinatal Mood Disorders, Honey Newton

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMD) constitute a significant public health concern, impacting the perinatal patient and the family.

Purpose

This project describes the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Perinatal Mood Disorders including depression and anxiety.

Goals

The goals of this study were to define the perinatal population in a rural Montana clinic and describe the relationship between ACEs and PMDs to identify early intervention opportunities.

Methods

A ten-year retrospective IRB approved study described the relationship between ACE, PHQ9 and OASIS scores to determine the prevalence of PMD and connection to ACE’s in perinatal patients in rural northwest Montana. Calculations were …

Prediabetes In Rural Primary Care: Screening, Diagnosis And Treatment, Rebecca M. Bodle-Shingu

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background

Prediabetes affects one in three US adults. Over 80% of individuals with prediabetes are unaware of having the condition. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPG) recommend screening adults 35 to 70 years old with a BMI of 25 or higher. Prediabetes treatment consists of lifestyle modification, referrals to nutrition counseling, and metformin for individuals who cannot make lifestyle changes. Diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes reduces the risks or delays the progression to type 2 diabetes.

Purpose

The purpose of this DNP quality improvement project was to impact primary care providers beliefs, knowledge, and practices in identifying, diagnosing, and treating …

Relationship Between Mental Health Education And Nurse Preparedness, Deborah C. O'Dell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study was to see if there was a relationship between the type of Mental Health education undergraduate nurses received or the number of Mental Health clinical days they experienced and how prepared they were to care for Mental Health Consumers (MHCs) when they first were employed. This information had never before been studied, so had the potential to change nursing curriculum and provide better care for MHCs. An anonymous survey using the Behavioral Health Care Competency’s questions was used and an invitation to participate was placed on various nursing discussion forums and social media sites. Participants (n = …

Nursing Faculty Experiences Of Teaching Dementia Care: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jeannie Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of nursing faculty teaching dementia care to nursing students in Texas. The theory guiding this study was Kolb’s experiential learning theory as it offers a structured framework for examining how experiences lead to learning. This theory also introduced the concept of the Experiential Educator profile, specifically delineating the role of educators in facilitating knowledge acquisition (Kolb, 2014). This study bridged the gap in existing literature regarding the experiences of nursing faculty in teaching dementia care to nursing students and provided a comprehensive look at dementia education in nursing schools. …

Improving Glycemic Management Of The Inpatient Adult With Diabetes Mellitus Through The Development Of A Bedside Decision Support Tool For The Medical-Surgical Floor Nurse, Robin Deville Guidry

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Background: Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to adverse events in the adult perioperative inpatient population. Hyperglycemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), infection, delayed wound healing, increased hospital lengths of stay (LOS), and even mortality. Uncontrolled hypoglycemia can result in confusion, seizures, and even coma.

Purpose: This single-PDSA-cycle quality improvement project aimed to prevent and/or minimize the duration of uncontrolled blood sugar in the peri-operative adult inpatient. The primary objective was to reduce the incidence of hyperglycemia defined as >180 mg/dL by at least 10% from baseline with a goal rate of less than 25%, while also reducing the incidence …

Improving Nurse Confidence Around Communication With Physician Partners Through The Caritas Processes, Deborah M. Yracheta

Doctoral Projects

Nurses are the eyes and ears at the bedside during a patient’s hospital stay. They are responsible for communicating significant changes in a patient’s health status, mainly to their physician partners. Unfortunately, good communication between nurses and doctors is a shortcoming of the nursing profession. Seven thousand reviewed malpractice lawsuits were directly related to poor provider communication, resulting in $1.7 billion in malpractice cases and 2,000 preventable deaths. These communication errors also lead to prolonged hospital delays in care, underscoring the need for improved communication. These poor outcomes compromise patients’ lives, safety, and well-being and decrease patient satisfaction scores, ultimately …