Pediatric Nursing Commons^™

Sepsis In Sight: Immersive Vr Simulation For Pediatric Training, Kelsey Wagler

DNP Projects

Abstract

Objectives: This project aimed to decrease the time required to administer antibiotics and fluid boluses to pediatric patients with sepsis by implementing a virtual reality (VR) simulation program. The initiative sought to enhance bedside nurses’ and pediatric residents’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and confidence in sepsis assessment, early recognition, and evidence-based management. A secondary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of VR simulation as an educational strategy for nurses in a high-acuity pediatric setting.

Design: This quality improvement project used a quasi-experimental design that incorporated a VR simulation intervention followed by a structured debriefing and targeted education session. Participants completed …

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

2026

This evidence-based practice project evaluated the implementation of the Ask Me 3® health literacy tool in a pediatric perioperative setting to improve caregiver understanding of medical information and communication with healthcare providers. Findings suggest that Ask Me 3® supports health literacy and caregiver engagement, while patient experience measures related to nurse communication, listening, and caregiver comfort improved following implementation.

Responding To Social Isolation: The Tole Of Chaplaincy In Addressing Social Determinants Of Health (Sdoh) In Pediatric Contexts, Adam Lubbers, Forest Melton, Simbarashe Sigauke, Sophie Le

2026

This poster describes a pilot program that integrated chaplaincy services into the care pathway for pediatric patients and families who screened positive for low social support, a key social determinant of health. The findings suggest chaplain-led interventions provide effective emotional, spiritual, and practical support, helping address social isolation, caregiver burden, financial insecurity, and other health equity concerns while offering culturally responsive care.

Improving Sdoh Screening Compliance In Pediatric Settings: Addressing Health Literacy In East Texas, Katie Bien, Shannon Blalock, Donna Procell

2026

This poster focuses on efforts to improve compliance with social determinants of health (SDOH) screening in pediatric healthcare settings, with a particular emphasis on addressing health literacy challenges in East Texas. The project examines how health literacy considerations may influence the effectiveness and consistency of SDOH screening practices among pediatric patient populations.

Voices Of Change: Nurses Advocating For Progress, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Sally Derrick, Latieia Key

Podcasts

On this episode, we're discussing the importance of nurses involvement in professional advocacy - within your profession, within your practice for your patients, within your community.

Iron Deficiency And Iron Deficiency Anemia: Inconsistent Screening Practices And Delayed Result Processing In Children 12-18 Months, Madonna J. Mahoney Marshall

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Introduction:

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children aged 12 to 18 months are prevalent conditions that, if not identified and treated early, are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose:

This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of a standardized screening and follow-up protocol on laboratory result retrieval, provider review, and caregiver follow-through in a military pediatric clinic.

Method:

A pre-post intervention design guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework was implemented over 11 weeks and included staff education, standardized workflows, and caregiver outreach.

Results:

The intervention improved laboratory completion and caregiver follow-up rates; however, sustainability was limited by staffing constraints …

Facilitating Shared Reading Exposure To Promote Health Outcomes In A Rural Pediatric Primary Care Clinic, Meredith L. Longino

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this scholarly project was to address a gap in early literacy promotion for rural children by incorporating the Reach Out and Read program. This program bolsters foundational literacy by providing a book and anticipatory guidance at every well-child visit from birth through age 5. This project was expected to decrease no-show well-child attendance rates and improve provider morale.

Background

The project was implemented in an established rural pediatric primary care clinic in Northeast Texas. 

Methodology

Process implementation was measured through books distributed and EHR documentation of the intervention. Process objectives were measured by no-show rates for …

Physical Activity Buffers Screen Time's Impact On Flourishing In Us Youth And Children: Findings From The 2022-2023 Nsch, Aliya Kuerban Phd, Fnp-Bc, Ms, Ma, Rn, Ling Shi

Nursing: Faculty Publications

Objective

Methods

Results

Advancing Safe Medication Administration During Pediatric Emergency Care Through Nurse Education: A Quality Improvement Project, Ciera Hunter

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Due to the increased complexities of pediatric medication administration, preventable errors occur at a higher rate than in general adult populations. Rural emergency departments (EDs) often see fewer pediatric patients and have less specialized support available on-site. Nurse continuing education is an evidence-based intervention to reduce medication administration errors making it vital to supporting patient safety and maintaining pediatric readiness.

Local Problem: The microsystem is a rural, critical access hospital in northern New England. In 2021, the microsystem scored 66/81 on the National Pediatric Readiness Project’s (NPRP’s) ED Assessment. In 2026, the score dropped 11 points to 55/81. Contributing …

Increasing Patient Feedback Survey Completions Through Patient-Centered Nursing Communication: A Quality Improvement Project, Lindsey E. Pawlowski

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Patient feedback is essential to providing the best possible nursing care. Positive patient experiences can impact overall patient satisfaction, loyalty, and trust.

Local Problem: On a pediatric unit at a New England hospital, an assessment of the microsystem revealed that there was a low number of monthly patient feedback survey completions, which limited insight into patient experiences.

Aim Statement: The primary aim of this project was to increase the number of monthly National Research Corporation (NRC) surveys to ten by June 30, 2026.

Methods: This quality improvement project was guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. The first stage of …

Navigating Nursing Professional Governance: Unveiling Its Significance, Part 2, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Misty Daugherty

Podcasts

Learn about the fundamental principles and practices of NPG to elevate nursing practice, foster professionalgrowth, and enhance patient outcomes.

Revolutionizing Nursing Care: Implementing Acuity Based Staffingstrategies, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Natalie Denson, Marshall Stephenson

Podcasts

On this episode, we are discussing an innovative approach to staffing based on tailoring nurse staffing to meet patient needs, and how this can lead to enhanced patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction.

Cultivating Wellness: Nurturing Gratitude And Resilience, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Elaine Beardsley, Alison Kell

Podcasts

This heartfelt discussion on the power of wellbeing and gratitude in nursing practiceoff ers practical strategies to gear up for the busy season, prioritize wellness and recognize the invaluable contributions of your nursing colleagues.

Fueling Nursing Excellence: Exploring New Talent Pipelines, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Deb Echtenkamp, Christina Smith

Podcasts

Learn about an innovative talent pipeline developed to help build our clinical nursespecialist team, and how they are shaping the next generation of nursing professionals that will lead the way in care delivery.

The Impact Of Night Shift On New Nurses: Effects On Mental Health And Work-Life Balance, Avery Windham, Abby Maruskin, Elizabeth Yoder

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research examines the impact of night shift schedules on new nurses' mental health and work-life balance as they transition into professional practice. The transition from nursing school to the workforce presents challenges that are further compounded by shift work, which can disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to stress, fatigue, and reduced job satisfaction. The purpose of this research is to evaluate how starting on night shift versus day shift influences nurses’ self-evaluation of work-life balance within their first year of practice. This systematic review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed sources to assess the physical, emotional, and professional consequences of night …

Evaluation Of A Nicotine Prevention Program In A Third Grade Classroom, Jennifer A. Pile

DNP Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to increase knowledge of nicotine products and promote negative perceptions of nicotine use among third-grade students through early prevention education.

Background: Prevention is key and to prevent nicotine use, there must be an educational program with that aim in a much younger population. Third grade encompasses 8-, 9-, and 10-year-olds. This group is in the middle childhood stage and begin more complex thinking and problem-solving skills. There is physical and emotional development among this group.

Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study among third grade students in Breckinridge County Kentucky with pretest and …

Parenting Stress And Its Association With Parental Technoference: An Integrative Literature Review, Emily S. Machuca

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Today, digital devices are a part of daily life, but can serve as a distraction that interrupts important relationships, a process referred to as technoference. In the context of parenting, device use during child interactions may reduce parental attentiveness and engagement, with potential implications for child development and behavior. Parenting stress may influence how and why parents engage with digital devices in the presence of their children. However, the association between parenting stress and parental technoference remains unclear in the current literature. This integrative literature review aimed to synthesize existing evidence examining the relationship between parenting stress and parental …

Using Text Messages To Reduce Pediatric No-Show Rates In Primary Pediatric Care, Kelly A. Rexford-Hudson

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

Pediatric appointment no-show rates lead to fragmented care, missed preventative services, delayed immunizations, and reduced clinic efficiency. Children who miss well-child and follow-up visits are at increased risk for unmanaged chronic conditions and gaps in developmental surveillance. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project was to evaluate whether bilingual text message reminders would decrease no-show rates in a pediatric primary care clinic. Led by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model, this intervention consisted of two manual text message reminders, delivered in English and Spanish, at 7 days and 2 days before scheduled appointments during a …

Preventing G-J Tube Dislodgement - A Device And Communication Innovation, Sarah Clark

2026

Abstract

The Problem: G/J tube dislodgement is a frequent complication in pediatric patients.

Leads to:

• Emergency department visits
• Hospital admissions
• Delays in nutrition/medication

Impact on Patients & Families:

• IV placement (traumatic)
• Radiation exposure
• Overnight hospital stays

Impact on Nurses & System:

• Increased workload (admissions, coordination)
• Occupied inpatient beds for stable patients
• Inefficient care processes

Aims/Objectives Aim: Reduce unplanned G/J tube dislodgements and related hospital utilization.

Objectives: Develop a breakaway connector prototype

Implementation and Evaluation:
Setting: Pediatric inpatient & outpatient system
Participants: Nurses (bedside, GI, IR), caregiver, innovation team
Process: Roundtable discussions → identified workflow gaps Communication/workflow audit Developed …

Empowering Caregivers, Protecting Patients: An Ambulatory Central Line Quality Improvement Initiative For Education And Follow-Up, Elizabeth Martinez, Belinda Bordeaux, Stephanie Langevin, Cristina Herrera, Mary Smith, Merissa Doyle, Barbara Stein, Kimberly Poshar, Marissa Dunlap, Allison Silva, Eric Werner

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Introduction: Preventing ambulatory central line-associated bloodstream infections (A-CLABSIs) is challenging due to inconsistent education, follow-up, and home care practices. Pediatric intestinal failure (IF) patients are particularly vulnerable. This institution aimed to decrease its IF A-CLABSI rate by 25% within 2 years through a standardized, step-by-step central line care education program.

Methods: Using the Toyota problem-solving method, the team reviewed data and performed a root cause analysis of the prioritized problem, implementing a 2-phase education program. Phase 1 delivered in-hospital education using videos, handouts, and hands-on teaching with skill demonstration. The existing pediatric central line skills class was expanded and offered …