Nursing Commons^™

How Is The Use Of Ai Impacting Nursing Students Education?, Lorna H. Strain

Honors College Theses

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is rapidly increasing and reshaping how nursing students learn and engage with content. This thesis proposal looks at the impact of AI on the education of nursing students and explores students' perceptions of its use in their learning and education. As AI becomes more prevalent, many students are using it for study aids and content personalization, while schools are using it in simulations and textbook platforms. Many recognize its benefits, such as enhanced critical thinking, improved accessibility of materials, and more immersive learning. Concerns persist around ethical use, academic integrity, and the …

What Is The Evolving Role Of Nurses In Telehealth As Future Healthcare Professionals?, Emma G. Lowry

Honors College Theses

Telehealth has evolved into an essential component of healthcare delivery in today's world, something that occurred alongside the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare professionals, nurses must be adequately prepared and equipped to use the tools for telehealth. This paper examines the evolving role of nurses in telehealth by assessing undergraduate nursing students’ and practicing nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived competencies. Data will be collected through a Qualtrics survey utilizing the Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills (AKAS) Scale for Telemedicine, supplemented by interviews with telehealth practitioners to provide qualitative context. It is expected that variations in proficiency and attitudes, from previous biased …

Non-Pharmacological Interventions For The Management And Prevention Of Hypertensive Disorders In Pregnancy: A Review Of The Literature, Shenelle K. Smith, Laurena E. Lepp

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia (PE), are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the United States, rates of HDP continue to rise and are associated with preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and long-term cardiovascular disease. Current management focuses only on low-dose aspirin for prevention. Surveillance and timely delivery remain the only definitive treatment for preeclampsia. This highlights a critical gap in prevention. Emerging evidence suggests that non-pharmacological interventions–particularly nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle modification–may reduce the risk and severity of HDP. These approaches align with midwifery models of care emphasizing prevention, education, …

Fear Of Childbirth As A Perinatal Comorbidity: An Integrative Review, Michelle T. Mcmanus, Ashely N. Payne

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fear of childbirth (FOC) and tokophobia have a significant impact on one in every five pregnant women and is associated with enhanced levels of anxiety, depression, pre-traumatic stress, and has led to increased requests for elective cesarean sections. Given the influence that it has on birth mode and perceived birth experience as well as postpartum wellbeing, it stands to reason that FOC represents an often-overlooked aspect of perinatal mental health.
This capstone reviews cohort, cross-sectional, randomized, and quasi-experimental studies examining prevalence, correlations, and consequences of FOC. It evaluates antenatal education, midwife-led support, and cognitive behavioral therapy as potential interventions. Outcomes …

Elevated Bmi And The Effect On Breastfeeding Duration In Postpartum Individuals: An Integrative Review, Abigail E. Mobilia, Kirstin A. Wyly

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: It has been well documented that exclusive breastfeeding provides benefits for infants and postpartum individuals, yet rates remain suboptimal in the United States, particularly among those with elevated pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Evidence suggests that elevated BMI is associated with shorter breastfeeding duration and may be influenced by physiologic, social, and structural factors. This integrative review synthesizes existing literature to clarify the relationship between elevated BMI and exclusive breastfeeding duration among postpartum individuals.
Methods: An integrative review was conducted following Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) framework and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Nursing & …

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus And Its Psychological Impacts During Pregnancy And Postpartum, Nehemie B. Hypolite, Charline Fast

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: This review explores the link between gestational diabetes (GDM) and psychological outcomes. GDM affects 8–10% of pregnancies and is typically diagnosed at 24–28 weeks. This burden leads to anxiety, depression, and fear. Postpartum concerns often persist for mother and infant.

Methods: Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) method was used to synthesize data. The research databases included CINAHL and PubMed. Covidence supported screening and PRISMA diagram development. Key search terms included “anxiety and GDM,” “depression and GDM,” “GDM and postpartum depression,” “gestational diabetes,” and “pregnancy.” Inclusion criteria included full-text articles published after 2010, original studies, patients undergoing diabetic treatment (medication and/or …

The Impact Of Patient-Centered Care On Women With Infertility And Pregnancy Loss: An Integrative Review, Kaidynce R. Sweazy

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Infertility affects roughly 17.5% of adults worldwide, while pregnancy loss occurs in up to 30% of pregnancies. These reproductive traumas increase the risk of developing a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this review is to identify the influence of patient-centered care on psychological outcomes and experiences of care in women with infertility and pregnancy loss.
Methods: A literature search of the PubMed and Cinahl databases was conducted for original studies published from January 2016 to January 2026 that address the psychological outcomes and/or experiences of women who experienced infertility …

The Placenta & Covid-19: Histological Changes & Clinical Implications, Melissa F. Paul, Allyson J. Zadlo Sensor

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic presented the medical community with complex and novel challenges, not the least of which is how to optimize prenatal and postnatal care for pregnant individuals who have been infected. At present, seven years have elapsed, and despite definitive research demonstrating adverse outcomes associated with placental changes, no professional consensus has been reached.
Methods: This integrative review includes studies involving pregnant individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, who recovered during the same pregnancy, and their infants. An examination of the data available reveals a triad of placental pathologies (chronic histiocytic intervillositis, perivillous fibrin deposition, and trophoblast necrosis) that …

Patient Safety: Paramedic To Nurse Patient Handover Quality And Its Influence On Clinical Deterioration In The Emergency Department, Madison P. Penick

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates At A Federally Qualified Health Center: A Quality Improvement Project, Kaeli H. Mcphee

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract 

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the rise and is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States (Wender, 2022). CRC screening rates are below national goals, particularly among underserved populations. At Lowell Community Health Center (LCHC), only 41.9% of eligible adults were up to date with CRC screening as of 2024.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to increase CRC screening rates among average-risk adults aged 45 to 75 by implementing a multifaceted, low-burden intervention targeting both provider and patient behaviors.

Methods: Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the intervention included: (1) provider and …

Moving Forward Together For Cancer Recovery: Collaborative Guide For Researchers And Cancer Care Organizations, M. Madison Kindred, Karen E. Wickersham, Daneille E. Ostendorf, Bernardine M. Pinto

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Development Of An Educational Toolkit For Clinical Staff At Little Rivers Health Care To Guide Shared Decision Making For The Expanded Age Range Of The Hpv Vaccine, Maureen B. Boardman

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States (CDC, 2024). Unlike other common STI's, persistent infection with HPV increases the risk of cancer. A Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was approved in the United States in 2006 for girls and women aged 9 to 26 and in 2009 it was approved for boys and men in this same age range. Despite 20 years of data on the efficacy and safety of the HPV vaccine, rates of completed HPV vaccine series remain low. In 2019 the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) expanded …

Measles Vaccine Hesitancy Improvement Bundle To Improve Vaccination Rates In A Rural Outpatient Clinic, Ramie Malone

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Introduction

Despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations to vaccinate children against measles, a decline in measles vaccination rates has been observed at a rural family medicine clinic. While numerous factors contribute to the decline in vaccination rates—including parental doubts about the necessity of vaccination, concerns about vaccine side effects, and insufficient education—the latter remains a fundamental underlying cause of suboptimal vaccination coverage.

Objectives

This project focused on surveying, educating, and boosting parents' confidence in measles vaccines for children under five to raise the measles vaccination rate.

Methods

This project used a pre- and post-intervention bundle over an …

Reducing 30-Day Readmission Rates In Patients With Heart Failure, Charles Mccoy

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Globally, heart failure affects approximately 54 million individuals and has reached pandemic levels, contributing to elevated 30-day readmission rates (Sa et al., 2024). Background: In the United States, 30-day readmission rates range from 18% to 20%, with similar rates across all states. The current rate was documented as 29% at the study setting hospital. Objective: Implement a Quality Improvement project based on education, evidence-based order sets, and referral to palliative care to reduce 30-day readmission rates among adults with heart failure. Methods: Nursing staff completed education specific to heart failure, and patients received the American Heart Association Self-Check assessment. …

Ask, Advise, And Act: A Smoking Cessation Bundle For Cancer Patients, Crystal Tencate

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Smoking is the number one cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. For patients undergoing cancer treatment, continued tobacco use poses serious risks. In surgical oncology, smoking is associated with poorer treatment outcomes, increased postoperative complications, delayed wound healing, and higher mortality. For patients requiring reconstructive surgery, smoking-related complications can be devastating, sometimes resulting in significant wound complications or loss of the reconstruction. Despite these well-established risks, smoking cessation interventions are not consistently integrated into clinical practice.

To address this gap, a quality improvement project was implemented to strengthen smoking cessation efforts among advanced practice providers (APPs) …

Nursing Bundle To Improve Quality Metrics For Postoperative Patients, Kristine G. Coronado

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Postoperative pulmonary complications and inconsistent implementation of preventive nursing interventions remain significant challenges on acute care surgical units. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce postoperative respiratory failure, hospital readmissions, and length of stay while improving nursing compliance with evidence-based interventions. A nursing care bundle, RISE—Respiratory therapy (structured, nurse-guided incentive spirometry), Incentivize movement (early ambulation), Sit up (head-of-bed elevation ≥30 degrees), and Eliminate germs (twice-daily oral care)—was implemented on an acute care surgical ward in South Texas. Nursing compliance with the preventative measures and patient outcomes were compared between pre- and post-implementation cohorts. Following implementation, nursing compliance …

Improving Asthma Management In Schools: A Comprehensive Approach To Education, Environmental Enhancements And Asthma Action Plans, Yesenia Trevino

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Introduction

Asthma contributes to school absenteeism, especially in underserved communities. This project aimed to enhance asthma management at a South Texas elementary school through staff and student education, monthly air filter changes, and personalized Asthma Action Plans (AAPs).

Methods

A quality improvement project at a South Texas elementary school involved 40 asthmatic students over eight weeks, using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework. It included staff and student education, air filter maintenance, and facilitation of Asthma Action Plans (AAPs). Pre/post surveys, custodial logs, AAP audits, and attendance were analyzed, with paired t-tests used to assess changes (N=32).

Results

There was 71.9% …

Starting Strong: Improving Mmr Vaccination Rates In Kindergartners, Regina Bryan

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Introduction

During the 2023–2024 academic year, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage among kindergarten students in this school district did not meet the Healthy People 2030 target, thereby elevating the risk of disease outbreaks. This quality improvement project aimed to improve MMR vaccination initiation and completion through coordinated, school-based interventions.

Methods

Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, an eight-week immunization bundle was implemented across 14 elementary schools in South Texas. Interventions included reminder calls, multilingual education, districtwide communication, and a partnership with a nonprofit clinic that provides free or reduced-cost vaccines through on-site and community clinics. Pre- and post-intervention …

Ambient Listening: Using Artificial Intelligence To Transcribe Provider Office Visits, Odia Russette

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Electronic health record (EHR) documentation burdens contribute to increased “pajama time” or after–hours charting, reduced job satisfaction, and provider burnout. Provider burnout leads to provider and critical access point losses. Ambient–listening artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have emerged as a possible tool to reduce charting burdens; however, evidence from outpatient wellness settings remains limited.

Local Problem: At an urban adult wellness clinic in Texas with limited resources for completing tasks, in-clinic and after-hours “pajama time” charting burdens contributed to provider fatigue, job dissatisfaction, and burnout.

Methods: A quality improvement (QI) project using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework implemented an AI ambient …

A Quality Improvement Project To Decrease Medication Prior Authorization Approval Times, Amena Guinn Babers

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Medication prior authorization requirements add to administrative burden, increase labor costs, and delay patient access to treatment in outpatient specialty settings. This bottleneck directly influences nursing workload and economic performance.

Purpose: To evaluate the fiscal and performance significance of implementing an electronic prior authorization (ePA) process, standardized tracking tools, and staff education in a small orthopedic clinic.

Methods: A pre–post quality improvement design was used. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (independent‑samples t tests and Mann–Whitney U tests) were conducted to compare time to approval, staff hours worked, satisfaction scores, and medication pickup timeframes.

Results: Significant reductions were observed in …