Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons^™

Utilizing Youth Mental Health First Aid: A Community-Based Prevention Strategy To Increase Teh Confidence Levels Of Seventh-Day Adventist Adults In Assisting Youth With Mental Health Distress, Sarah Hillebert

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

Objective: Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an initiative from the National Council for Mental Wellness that trains adults in identifying and responding to adolescents exhibiting mental health distress. This DNP project evaluated the effectiveness of YMHFA in increasing the mental health literacy and confidence scores of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) adults. Method: quality improvement, pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was used. Participants were SDA adults aged 22 to 74 who work with youth in school, church, or camp settings (n=19; Mean age = 48.5 years, SD = 10.5). The quantitative MHFA 2.1 measured mental health literacy and confidence to intervene, …

Implementing A Mental Health Workshop To Mitigate Burnout And Improve Job Satisfaction Among Psychiatric Technicians: A Mixed-Methods Case Study, John P. Smith

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

Burnout among psychiatric technicians contributes to emotional exhaustion, decreased job satisfaction, workforce instability, and reduced quality of patient care. Despite increasing recognition of healthcare worker well-being as a priority, limited evidence exists regarding interventions specifically designed for psychiatric technicians. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to implement and evaluate a structured mental health workshop designed to reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction among psychiatric technicians employed in inpatient, outpatient, and group home mental health settings. A mixed-methods case study utilizing a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted with a convenience sample of 41 participants. Quantitative data …

Treatment Manual For Sequential Format. Two Part Program For Symptom Self-Management (12 Session Course & Support Group For Booster Dose Of Course)., Robin Buccheri, Louise Nigh Trygstad, Martha D. Buffum

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

This is the Treatment for Sequential Format Two Part Program for Symptom Self Management of Auditory Hallucinations (12-Session Course & Support for Booster Dose of Course).

Treatment Manual For Nonsequential Format. Two Part Program For Symptom Self-Management (12 Session Course & Support Group For Booster Dose Of Course)., Robin Kay Buccheri, Louise Nigh Trygstad, Martha D. Buffum

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

This is the Treatment Manual for NonSequential Format: Two-Part Program for Symptom Self-Management of Auditory Hallucinations: 12 Session Course & Support Group for Booster Dose of Course

Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights From Epds Literature, Gabriella A. Irizarry Negron, Sara Moyer

UROP Posters

Postpartum depression screening among Hispanic women remains an important but complicated issue, as differences in how the EPDS is used and current barriers to care may affect early identification and treatment. This poster, Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights from EPDS Literature, explores how the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been evaluated across studies involving Hispanic populations. Using a literature review approach, eight peer-reviewed articles were organized into an annotated bibliography and matrix to identify key trends in screening practices and outcomes.

Findings revealed three major themes: (1) EPDS cut-off scores for postpartum depression vary widely across …

Promoting Safe And Effective Ciwa-Ar Protocol Adherence On An Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Through An Educational Reference Poster: A Quality Improvement Project, Kenan J. Gray

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can progress to seizures, delirium tremens, and autonomic instability. The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol–Revised (CIWA-Ar) supports symptom-triggered AWS management, but safe use depends on timely nursing assessment, reassessment, and documentation.

Local Problem: On an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, chart audits identified CIWA-Ar protocol adherence gaps, including missed four-hour assessments and one-hour reassessments after lorazepam.

Methods: This quality improvement project used the Plan-Do-Study-Act model. Three educational reference posters were placed in high-visibility staff areas with QR-linked access to the facility’s AWS protocol and CIWA-Ar scoring guidelines. Outcomes were evaluated using pre- and post-intervention …

Musical Measures: Nurse Education On Music-Based Interventions To Reduce Patient Restraints, Crystal D. Tucker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The use of physical restraints in acute psychiatric settings poses significant risks to patient safety, including physical injury and psychological distress. Evidence supports the need for alternative, non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce reliance on restraints. This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on nurses’ knowledge and confidence in implementing music-based interventions, specifically binaural beats, to manage patient anxiety and agitation.

The project was conducted on a medical observation and behavioral health holding unit and utilized a pre- and post-intervention design. Registered nurses participated in educational sessions on music-based interventions and were …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Counseling And Nurse Practitioner Trainee Experiences Engaging With An Integrated Behavioral Health (Ibh) Training, Alexander M. Fields, Margaret Emerson, Stephanie Burge, Jill R. Reed, Therese L. Mathews Ph.D., Aprn, Bcba-D, Abby L. Bjornsen

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Integrated behavioral health (IBH) is recognized as the standard for holistic healthcare, addressing the intersection of mental and physical health. As IBH gains prominence, graduate healthcare programs must equip students with strategies to meet its demands. However, limited research exists on training methods that address diverse professional identities and the unique needs of graduate students. Our novel IBH training incorporates interprofessional education (IPE) through modules and simulations grounded in Bandura’s (2001) social cognitive theory. We explored the experiences of 12 counseling, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner students through focus groups. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), we analyzed …

Dementia In Downs Syndrome – A Case Report, Clarita Shynal Martis Ms, Elsa Sanatombi Devi Dr, Panambur Venkataraya Bhandary Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Down syndrome, is a chromosome 21-related genetic condition, frequently manifests as intellectual difficulty, growth retardation, and distinctive facial traits. People with Down’s Syndrome usually develop Dementia, a major cause of cognitive impairment, impaired judgment memory loss in their midlife. The present report describes a case study of a female diagnosed with dementia in Down’s Syndrome. The report explores the challenges her parents faced in securing appropriate care when diagnosed with dementia and Down's syndrome. It aims to inform caregivers about the best practices for home care in such cases. It follows the woman's history from birth until her dementia was …

A Descriptive Study To Assess The Life Skills Among Adolescents In Tea Garden Of Assam., Catherine Kujur, Sandeep Kollipara, Chitra Bora

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abilities that facilitate human to adjust with the numerous challenges of life are life skills . Adolescent is a stage of transition, where changes occur physically and psychologically and adolescents need to change and adapt towards these transitions in order to deal effectively in life. The current study focused to assess the life skills of tea garden teenagers. Descriptive research design with quantitative research approach was selected . The adolescents aged between 14 years to 17 years who had studied upto class VI were included in the study through total enumeration method with sample size 300. Socio-demographic datasheet (10 items) …

Association Between The Diet Of Adolescents In America And The Prevalence Of Depression Found Within This Population, Mary Hoffman, Belinda Asamoah, Fadeyemi Okewusi

Student Scholar Symposium

Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity increase the risk of chronic mental and physical health conditions such as depression and obesity in American adolescents. Depression is the leading mental illness found in adolescents across the United States and less than 1 in 10 children eat their recommended vegetables, only 16 % of adolescents meet U.S. physical activity guidelines, 36.3% consume fast food on a given day, and as many as 20% are obese. These numbers show a rapid rise along with the availability of fast food. Multiple studies examine the relationship between healthy nutrition and the signs and symptoms …

Moving Toward Healthy Ageing: The Role Of Physical Activity In Cognitive Function And Self-Esteem Among Older Adults In Türkiye, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan, Müjde Kerkez

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between religious attitudes and breastfeeding attitudes and the effect of this relationship on breastfeeding practices.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 older adults. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Spearman’s correlation and chi-square tests were employed for statistical analysis.

Results: Physical activity levels were positively correlated with both cognitive function (r = 0.546, p < 0.001) and self-esteem (r = 0.168, p < 0.05). No significant association was observed between cognitive function and self-esteem. Physical inactivity, cognitive decline, and low self-esteem were more prevalent among women, participants with lower educational attainment, those with chronic diseases, and individuals engaged in polypharmacy.

Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of integrating physical activity promotion into national healthy ageing policies, particularly in Mediterranean contexts such …

From Fear To Familiar: Reducing Technology-Induced Anxiety In Seniors, Justin Kyle V. Manalang

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

This quality improvement project focuses on reducing the average technology-induced anxiety score among senior community members through 1:1 mentorship sessions. Aim During an eight-week period from September 10, 2025, to November 5, 2025, this project will reduce the severity of technology-induced anxiety by 25% from the established baseline. Methods: A 5P Microsystem assessment was conducted alongside an initial questionnaire to gauge the residents’ interests and concerns regarding technology use. From the results, focused mentorship sessions were conducted once a week and pertained to the chief complaint the resident had for eight weeks. The mentorship sessions were one-to-one and individualised …

Standardizing Care: Strengthening Dka Protocol Implementation Among Emergency Department Nurses, Toni Joy Angelique Biliran Miculob

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The objective of this project was to address the inconsistent understanding and utilization of the Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) protocol in a high-acuity emergency department within a large hospital system, where baseline survey results showed that 84% of nurses found the DKA order set confusing and only 15% felt “very comfortable” applying it.

Aim: The aim was to improve nurse clarity, confidence, and consistency in using the DKA protocol to support timely, evidence-based management of this high-risk, time-sensitive condition.

Methods: The intervention consisted of brief, targeted education delivered during pre-shift huddles across day and night shifts, focusing …

From Fear To Familiar: Decreasing Technology Anxiety Among Older Adults In A Senior Community, Regina Rayz

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Older adults (defined by the WHO as those 65 and older in developed countries) are more susceptible to technophobia than younger adults (Song et al., 2025). The fear and anxiety occurs with use of smartphones, tablets, social media, and telehealth and is associated with higher rates of social isolation and reduced autonomy. Technology-use anxiety is a preventative obstacle that inhibits both technology acceptance as well as overall health (Kim et al., 2023). Aim: To reduce technology-related anxiety among older low-income adults living in a senior residential facility in Richmond, CA by at least 25% using a brief, individualized technology …

Charting The Course: Improving Psychotropic Medication Documentation Through Staff Education To Promote Patient Safety And Cms Compliance, Anne J. Bertram Rn

Master's Projects and Capstones

The University of San Francisco master’s level nursing program culminates with a clinical nurse leader (CNL) quality improvement project. The objective of this project is to reinforce the program’s didactic CNL classes by allowing students the opportunity to design, implement, and analyze a quality improvement project in a microsystem. SETTING: Skilled nursing facilities often prescribe psychotropic medications to help manage residents’ behavioral and psychological symptoms. Due to the possibility of side effects and increased sedation, there are concerns for patient safety and quality of life. Inadequate management of these patients and symptoms compromises patient safety and breaches state and federal …

Matrescence: An Emerging Concept For Birth Worker Practice, Kelsey B. Green

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

The maternal mental health (MMH) crisis, affecting up to 25% of birthing individuals, is exacerbated by significant gaps in perinatal support. While birth workers are uniquely positioned to provide care, they often lack specialized training beyond basic screening checklists to address the complex transition to motherhood, defined as matrescence. This clinical innovation proposal outlines a matrescence-informed educational curriculum, guided by the Comprehensive Model of Mental Health during the Perinatal Period. The intervention is designed to build tangible, implementable skills, training birth workers to: (1) operationalize matrescence as a psychoeducational tool to normalize distress; (2) use clinical differentiation to distinguish the …

Mental Wellness: Breaking Down Barriers To Mental Health Treatment For Veterans, Merita Dallta

Capstones

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of The Modified Severity Assessment Scale (Msas) For Alcohol Withdrawal In An Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, Grace R. Lindsey

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Alcohol withdrawal is a potentially life-threatening condition frequently seen in psychiatric inpatient settings, especially among individuals with co-occurring alcohol use disorder and mental illness. The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale-revised, while widely used, depends on patient self-report, making it less effective for individuals with altered mental status or psychosis.

Purpose: This quality improvement project implemented the Modified Severity Assessment Scale, an objective, observation-based alcohol withdrawal protocol, in an inpatient psychiatric setting to improve safety, treatment accuracy, and care standardization.

Objectives: The project focused on ensuring full staff adoption of the protocol, reducing intensive care unit transfers …

Examining And Addressing Increased Hospital Inpatient Falls Rates At An Urban Community Hospital, Juan Lira

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Abstract

Background: Falls are the leading cause of reported injuries within the hospital setting. Injuries from falls occur in about20-45% of the time and is the leading cause of injury and injury death among the adult population. Inpatient falls are associated with an additional $14,0000 per occurrence and a prolonged hospitalization by 6.3 days. Increased falls rates affect hospitals rating, accreditation and reimbursements. This hospital is experiencing inpatient falls that exceed national average and corporate goals.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reduce the hospital falls rate by 10% within 90 days of initiating evidence-based evaluation and facility-wide …