Nursing Commons^™

Evaluating The Impact Of Epic Integration And Dual Registered Nurse Check-Off On Pressure Injury Prevention Workflow Compliance, Darlene Y. Olowu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Background

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), particularly sacral and heel injuries, remain a persistent challenge in critical care settings, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

Purpose

This quality improvement project aimed to improve compliance with a pressure injury prevention (PIP) workflow by integrating a dual RN check-off system within EPIC, thereby reducing sacral and heel pressure injuries. The project sought to enhance accountability, standardize documentation, and optimize compliance with evidence-based PIP measures.

Methodology

A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework guided the project implementation in an oncologic intensive care unit (ICU). Key interventions included: (1) EPIC integration of a dual RN check-off …

Navigating Sexual And Gender Diversity: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Provider Cultural Competencies For Sexual And Gender Minorities In Mental Health Outpatient Facilities, Shermeen Chandani

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations experience healthcare disparities related to stigma, discrimination, and limited provider cultural competency. In outpatient psychiatric settings, non-affirming practices can negatively affect patient engagement, trust, and continuity of care. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance staff sexual and gender minority cultural competency (SGMCC) and strengthen affirming clinical processes.

Background: The project was implemented across two outpatient psychiatric clinics with approximately 28 multidisciplinary staff members. At baseline, no formal SGM cultural competency training or standardized documentation practices for preferred names and pronouns existed.

Methodology: A Plan–Do–Study–Act framework with a pre/post-test design was used. The …

Implementation Of Behavioral Emergency Response Team In Triage, Brianna Millen

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this project is to improve the admission process of psychiatric patients in the emergency department (ED) by implementing a Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT). The goal is to reduce wait times, decrease patient aggression, and enhance overall patient and staff safety.

Background: Emergency departments are experiencing an influx of psychiatric patients presenting with acute psychosis. Long wait times often lead to increased agitation, requiring physical or chemical intervention. Literature suggests that timely care can reduce aggression and psychiatric admissions. Currently, no similar interventions exist at Houston Methodist West Hospital.

Methodology:

This quality improvement project follows a …

Enhancing Engagement In Cardiovascular Risk-Reducing Behaviors Through Motivational Text Messaging (Mtm) In An Underserved Population Of Memphis, Tennessee, Lindsey H. Dao

DNP Projects

Enhancing Engagement in Cardiovascular Risk-Reducing Behaviors Through Motivational Text Messaging (MTM) in an Underserved Population of Memphis, Tennessee

Functional And Traditional Medical Management Of Endometriosis: An Integrative Review, Madison G. Daniels

Senior Honors Theses

Endometriosis, a progressive disease that affects many women worldwide, has been managed primarily through hormonal medication, pain management and surgical intervention. However, there is a growing desire among women to use more natural and holistic methods to control the progression of this disease as well as effectively manage the severe symptoms that accompany it. This integrative review examines the efficacy of functional management as compared to traditional medical management. The pathophysiology of each treatment method and provide statistical evidence as to its efficacy. The progression of the disease, symptom management, and related side effects are all taken into consideration in …

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Critical Care Nurses Caring For Covid-19 Patients, Marwa Abdo

Nursing

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with a substantial number of severe cases requiring admission to isolated intensive care units (ICUs). This unprecedented situation exposed critical care nurses (CCNs) to a highly stressful traumatic environment, placing them at increased risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early identification and intervention for PTSD are crucial to mitigate the negative consequences for nurses' well-being, job performance, and overall quality of life. Aim: This study aimed to assess post-traumatic stress disorder among CCNs caring for COVID-19 patients. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 109 CCNs …

Everyday Decision-Making Involvement Among Hispanic & Latinx Dementia Caregivers And Its Associations With Daily Anxiety And Daily Depressive Symptoms, Abigail Poe

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Hispanic and Latinx (H&L) caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) experience elevated caregiving burden and poorer mental health outcomes compared to caregivers from other racial and ethnic groups. Limited research has examined H&L caregivers’ involvement in everyday decision-making for persons living with dementia (PLWD), particularly how this involvement may relate to daily mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Purpose: This study examined baseline decision-making involvement (DMI), its associations with individual-level factors, and its relationship with daily anxiety and depressive symptoms in H&L ADRD caregivers. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using data …

Nursing Professional Liability: Bridging Rn & Aprn Perspectives On Risk, Coverage & Evolving Practice Authority, Michelle Hileman Msm, Rn, Cnm, Parkview Health

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

Presented at the 2025 Parkview Nursing Research Symposium.

The purpose of this literature review is to explore professional liability for RNs and APRNs. Specific objectives include:

• Identify patterns in malpractice claims for RNs and APRNs

• Compare employer-provided and personal malpractice coverage

• Examine the impact of scope-of-practice laws on APRN liability

• Clarify principles of vicarious liability

• Recommend lifelong strategies for education, risk management, and professional practice

Provider Perspectives On Produce Prescription Programs In A Rural Community, Heather Ward Dnp,Fnp-Bc, Sarah Giaquinta Md, Mph, Susan Storey Phd, Rn, Aocns

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Nursing Research Symposium.

Purpose:

• To evaluate healthcare provider perspectives on PPPs in a rural community
• To identify barriers and facilitators to implementing a PPP
• To lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of a PPP in the Count

Pairing Vashe And Cavilon Advanced Skin Protectant For An Innovative Approach To Neonatal Diaper Dermatitis Treatment, Jennifer Thieman Msn, Rn, Accns-P, Rnc-Nic, C-Elbw, Cls

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Nursing Research Symposium.

Objective: To implement a new process that allows Vashe and Cavilon Advanced Skin Protectant to be used together in order to improve healing time of diaper dermatitis.

Tiered Skills Acquisition Model Implementation Parkview Health Centers For Wound Healing, Harlee Heller Bsn, Rn,Csmrn, Ariel Custer Bsn, Rn

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Parkview Nursing Research Symposium.

Implement TSAM at Parkview Centers for Wound Healing to:

• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality nursing care
• Establish standardization to equip nurses to float between outpatient wound clinic locations, promoting flexibility and operational efficiency
• Support preceptor flexibility to continue an orientee’s training, regardless of the availability of the primary preceptor, expediting orientation
• Increase confidence of outpatient wound care nurses for independent practice following orientation
• Increase nursing retention rates

Three Wishes Project: Individualizing End Of Life Care, Sarah Seddon Rn

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Nursing Research Symposium. •We used the journal article to create tangible ways to individualize the dying process •A binder ways created with the different “wishes” nurses can provide.

Optimizing Defibrillation Response: A Quality Improvement Initiative In The Cath Lab, Sara Cullis Bsn, Rn

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Parkview Nursing Research Symposium.

Patients undergoing diagnostic or emergent procedures in the Cardiac Cath Lab are at risk of developing lethal arrhythmias, which require immediate defibrillation to prevent adverse outcomes. Currently, the use of paddles and the absence of pre-applied defibrillator pads delay response time during critical events, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, there is a liability when staff assume which patients are “high risk” versus “diagnostic,” as even seemingly low-risk cases can rapidly deteriorate without warning. This quality improvement initiative aims to address this gap by ensuring defibrillator pads …

Best Practice In Geriatric Fracture Care: Impact Of Early Urinary Catheter Removal On Cauti Incidence, Samantha Tiede Bsn, Rn, Onc, Heather Kegerreis Msn, Rn, Cmsrn

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

Poster presented at the 2025 Parkview Nursing Research Symposium.

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of urinary catheter removal by POD1 on CAUTI incidence in GFPs.

Use Of Machine Learning Models To Predict Microaspiration Measured By Tracheal Pepsin A., Annette Bourgault, Ilana Logvinov, Chang Liu, Rui Xie, Jan Powers Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Mary Lou Sole

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

BACKGROUND: Enteral feeding intolerance, a common type of gastrointestinal dysfunction leading to underfeeding, is associated with increased mortality. Tracheal pepsin A, an indicator of microaspiration, was found in 39% of patients within 24 hours of enteral feeding. Tracheal pepsin A is a potential biomarker of enteral feeding intolerance.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of microaspiration (tracheal or oral pepsin A). It was hypothesized that variables predicting the presence of tracheal pepsin A might be similar to predictors of enteral feeding intolerance.

METHODS: In this secondary analysis, machine learning models were fit for 283 adults receiving mechanical ventilation who had tracheal and …

A Nurse-Led Transitional Care Intervention To Prevent Readmissions In A Low-Income-Serving Urban U.S. Hospital, Melissa Scollan-Koliopoulos

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Diabetes-related hospital readmissions within 30-days are costly and an indicator of suboptimal care resolution. Nurse-led transitional care interventions may improve glucose control and reduce emergency department recidivism following hospital discharge in very low-income populations.

Methods: An intention-to-treat design with randomization of participants (n = 108) compared conventional care to transitional care coordination that included diabetes specialty appointments, monthly support tele-phone calls, medication management, and tailored diabetes self-management education. Both the control and intervention group received a diabetes specialist and primary care appointment.

Results: There was a significant difference between the control and intervention groups (P = 0.018) from base-line …

Understanding Emergency Department Utilization By African Americans For Routine Diabetes Care: Are We Asking The Right Cultural Questions?, Melissa Scollan-Koliopoulos

Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction: The emergency department is a source of routine care for many African Americans. Afrocentric cultural characteristics may serve as a better proxy than race for understanding preferences for emergency department use over primary care for diabetes management. Methods: A literature review was conducted including key terms related to transitional healthcare, emergency department recidivism, Afrocentric cultural characteristics, racism and health disparities, and diabetes in African Americans. An example of tailoring talking points using Afrocentric cultural characteristics is proposed using Jone’s TRIOS Model, a Afrocentric Self-enhancing and Protective Theory. Results: The literature includes evidence to support a complex explanation for emergency …

Librarian Partnerships In Dnp Education, Kerry A. Milner, Roy Brown, Janene Batten, Tami A. Hartzell, Ellen Fineout-Overholt

Nursing Faculty Publications

This is the sixth article in a new series designed to provide readers with insight into educating nurses about evidence-based decision-making (EBDM). It builds on AJN's award-winning previous series—Evidence-Based Practice, Step by Step and EBP 2.0: Implementing and Sustaining Change (to access both series, go to https://links.lww.com/AJN/A133). This follow-up series on EBDM will address how to teach and facilitate learning about the evidence-based practice (EBP) and quality improvement (QI) processes, and how they impact health care quality. This series is relevant for all nurses interested in EBP and QI, especially DNP faculty and students. The brief case scenario …

Letter To The Editor, Julee Waldrop, Kerry A. Milner, Jayne Jennings Dunlap, Staci Reynolds, Anne Derouin

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Accessing Facility Electronic Health Record For Payer Utilization Review Review, Betsey Denton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to improve the prior authorization process for payer, provider, and patients by reducing the number of medical necessity denials, peer-to-peer calls, appeals, and increasing payer and provider satisfaction.

BACKGROUND A literature review indicated opportunities for improvement in prior authorization processes. Medical necessity denials are issued by payer if clinical documentation is not available for review. Implementation setting was a large academic medical center. Studied populations included patients who are members of a large Medicaid HMO health plan, payer utilization review registered nurses (RN), and hospital utilization review staff. METHODOLOGY Payer RNs began utilizing …