The Graduate Nursing Project collection includes Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects and Master's students' non-thesis projects submitted as part of program requirements.
Filters: Collection:"ehsl_gradnu" Type:"Text"
| Title | Creator | Date | Description | Relation Is Part Of | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Nurses' Attitudes and Behaviors Toward Sick Leave Usage: A Quality Improvement Needs Assessment | Echeverria, Luisa; Sisler, Shawna | 2025 | Background: Nurses in the U.S. healthcare system face challenges related to workplace culture and the absence of legally mandated paid sick leave, contributing to high rates of presenteeism. This behavior, where nurses work while ill, jeopardizes their health and patient safety. Research shows that ... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Organizational Leadership, MS to DNP |
| 2 |  | Bridging the Gap: A Needs Assessment to Inform Accreditation of a Pediatric Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Fellowship | Coleman, Rachel; Morstein, Jodi; Bailey, ElLois | 2025 | Background: Pediatric psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) play a critical role in addressing the increasing demand for pediatric mental health services. However, novice PMHNPs often face significant challenges in their transition to practice, including role ambiguity, limited ment... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 3 |  | Third Trimester Syphilis Testing at Urban and Suburban Obstetric Clinics: A Quality Improvement Project | Bennett, Danielle; Garbett, Cynthia | 2025 | Background: Syphilis contributes significantly to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, with infection rates in Utah rising sevenfold from 2012 to 2022. Despite guidelines recommending universal third-trimester syphilis testing, many obstetric clinics only test patients perceived to be at hig... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 4 |  | Implementing A Melanoma Risk Screening Tool at a Primary Care Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative | Smith, Kenna; Jessen, Christopher; Garrett, Larry C. | 2025 | Background: Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, presents a significant and growing public health challenge. Early detection is crucial, yet many primary care clinics lack standardized protocols for assessing melanoma risk, leading to missed opportunities for early detection and education. L... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Primary Care, Adult / Gerontology, Poster |
| 5 |  | Improving Resilience and Self-Efficacy in Burn Trauma ICU Nurses: An Evidence-Based Resilience Skills Group | Grote, Rachel; Garbett, Cynthia | 2025 | Background: Due to the stressful and emotional nature of the job, nurses experience high levels of burnout and adverse mental health outcomes. Burn-unit nurses are at particularly high risk for these adverse outcomes because of their frequent exposure to patients' trauma, pain, and suffering. In add... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 6 |  | Decreasing the Rate of No-shows at a Student-led Clinic: An Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Project | Thapa, Vishant; Raaum, Sonja; Dieudonne, Patrick; Garrett, Larry | 2025 | Background: No-show appointments present a significant challenge in primary care, particularly among underserved populations, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Research indicates that men, younger individuals, women, geriatric patients, those with mental health condit... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Primary Care, Adult / Gerontology, Poster |
| 7 |  | Implementing a Parent Training in Behavior Management Protocol and Toolkit to Improve ADHD Treatment at a Pediatric Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative | Dorny, Nancy; Petersen, Valerie; Bailey, ElLois | 2025 | Background: ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that carries significant lifelong risks. Consistent, authoritative parenting plays a crucial role in managing a child's ADHD behaviors and reducing long-term challenges. Effective parenting practices can also improve parental wellbeing. Par... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 8 |  | Improving Clinician Satisfaction Through Improved Care Coordination for New American and Patients with Low English Proficiency Populations at an Urgent Care Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project | Wright, Shae; Taha, Marie-Chantal; Chapman, Diane | 2025 | Background: Language concordance significantly impacts the continuity of care for new Americans and patients with low English proficiency (LEP) by affecting health literacy, patient education, and healthcare system navigation. These populations frequently use emergency departments (EDs) or urgent ca... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Primary Care, Adult / Gerontology, Poster |
| 9 |  | Improving Compliance of Measurement-Based Care in an Urban Community Mental Health Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative | Akutsu, Shaw; Perkins, Rebekah; Bailey, ElLois | 2025 | Background: Measurement-based care (MBC) is a systematic approach to clinical decision-making that involves collecting, analyzing, and applying patient-reported data to guide treatment planning and decisions. The use of MBC has become increasingly common across various healthcare fields, including m... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 10 |  | Improving Protocols for Assessing and Reporting Non-recent Child Abuse: A Quality Improvement Project | Gonzalez, Jenni; Baucom, Brian; Webb, Sara | 2025 | Background: Mandated reporters, including mental health clinicians, are legally required to report suspected child abuse, including non-recent abuse if a current minor could be at risk. Despite this requirement, underreporting child abuse is prevalent due to factors such as insufficient knowledge, f... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 11 |  | Recognizing and Assessing for Delirium Tremens in an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital: A Quality Improvement Project | Dawe, Shantel; Wilson, David; Webb, Sara | 2025 | Background: Delirium tremens (DTs) is a life-threatening complication of alcohol withdrawal, occurring in 5-12% of cases. Without timely treatment, DTs can lead to seizures, cardiac instability, respiratory failure, and mortality rates of 15-40%. Its symptoms often overlap with psychosis and other p... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 12 |  | Implementation of a Resource Toolkit for Paternal Postpartum Depression: An Evidenced-Based Improvement Initiative | Randall, Neal; Riley, Colin; Hebdon, Megan | 2025 | Background: Paternal postpartum depression (paternal PPD) or paternal major depressive disorder with peripartum onset is an under-researched and under-identified disorder. Approximately 8-14% of fathers will present with new symptoms of depression in the peripartum period, which ranges from the firs... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 13 |  | Implementation of an Esketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Protocol and Toolkit in an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative | Roundy, Steven; Blacker, Marie; Bullock, Randy | 2025 | Background: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects about 2.8 million Americans each year, with many patients not achieving remission after multiple antidepressant trials. Esketamine-assisted psychotherapy offers rapid and lasting symptom relief but remains underused in outpatient settings due ... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 14 |  | Improving Nutritional Screening and Education in an Outpatient Mental Health Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project | Lau, Jaricka Blundell; Dvorak, Theresa E.; Bailey, ElLois | 2025 | Background: Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health, yet nutritional screening and education are often underutilized in outpatient mental health settings. Poor nutrition is associated with worsened psychiatric symptoms, while improved dietary habits can enhance overall mental well-being. Cli... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 15 |  | Providers' Barriers to Family Involvement in Outpatient Mental Health Settings: A Needs Assessment | Mallard, Trisha H.; Baron, Carolynne; Pohlman, Spencer; Garbett, Cynthia | 2025 | Background: Family involvement, including couples, in adult outpatient mental health care has been shown to enhance patient outcomes significantly, yet consistent integration remains a challenge. Patients with mental health conditions often benefit from strong family support networks, which can impr... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 16 |  | Implementing an Evidence-based Toolkit and Protocol for Mental Health Clinicians Treating Youth Adopted from Foster Care: A Quality Improvement Project | Hutchings, Jake; Yearsley, Justin; Bullock, Randy | 2025 | Background: Children adopted from foster care frequently encounter psychological trauma, attachment difficulties, and maladaptive behaviors. Mental health clinicians often lack the necessary training and resources to effectively assess and address the unique needs of youth adopted from foster care d... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 17 |  | Improving Wellness on a Pediatric Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Using CE-CERT Principles: A Quality Improvement Project | Pincock, Mark; Klingler, Annette; Bullock, Randy | 2025 | Background: Burnout among mental health professionals (MHPs) in pediatric inpatient psychiatric units is a significant concern, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. This project aimed to address burnout and enhance well-being among staff usin... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Psychiatric / Mental Health, Poster |
| 18 |  | Standardizing Care to Prevent Oral Thrush in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Needs Assessment | Brown, Alexis S.; Patterson, Melinda | 2025 | Background: While term babies can develop oral thrush with no issues, premature infants are at a higher risk for increased susceptibility to more invasive infections. The oral mucosa is home to hundreds of microbial species, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, and bacteriophages (Baumgardn... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Women's Health / Nurse Midwifery, Poster |
| 19 |  | Toolkit-Based Approach to Improving Primary Care Provider (PCP) Confidence in Vasomotor Symptom (VMS) Management: A Quality Improvement Initiative | Dunklebarger, Tammy; Besser, Micaela; Moreno, Camille; Taylor-Swanson, Lisa | 2025 | Background: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), including hot flashes and night sweats, affect a significant proportion of midlife women and can severely impact their quality of life. Despite their prevalence, many primary care providers lack confidence in identifying and managing VMS, leading to gaps in care... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Women's Health / Nurse Midwifery, Poster |
| 20 |  | Improving Primary Care Provider (PCP) Confidence in Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS) Management: A Quality Improvement Initiative | Besser, Micaela; Dunklebarger, Tammy; Moreno, Camille; Taylor-Swanson, Lisa | 2025 | Background: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), also known as hot flashes and night sweats, are common among midlife women. Untreated VMS is associated with poor quality of life and other poor health outcomes. Primary care providers (PCPs) are often midlife women's first point of contact within the medical sy... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Women's Health / Nurse Midwifery, Poster |
| 21 |  | Improving Emergency Contraception Access on a Mid-Size University Campus: A Needs Assessment | Maughan, Jamie; Torres, Erica; Patterson, Melinda | 2025 | Background: Levonorgestrel emergency contraception (LNG EC), commonly known as Plan B®, is an FDA-approved over-the-counter medication used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It plays a crucial role in reducing unintended pregnancies in the United States. College campuses report si... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Women's Health / Nurse Midwifery, Poster |
| 22 |  | Laying the Groundwork for Academic-Practice Partnerships: Insights from a Needs Assessment with Nurse-Family Partnership Stakeholders | Jordan, Grace; Sisler, Shawna; Scheese, Carolyn | 2025 | Background: Low-income, first-time mothers face significant challenges, including limited healthcare access, inadequate social support, and high stress levels, which contribute to persistent health disparities, especially in rural and minority populations. The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program,... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Women's Health / Nurse Midwifery, Poster |
| 23 |  | Implementation of HIV PrEP Referral Protocol: An Evidence-based Quality Improvement Project | Stokes, Mikayla; Heller, Katherine; Patterson, Melinda | 2025 | Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective preventative treatment therapy that is underutilized among women in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a targeted goal of decreasing new HIV infections in the U.S. to 3... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Women's Health / Nurse Midwifery, Poster |
| 24 |  | Enhancing Screening and Referral Practices for Paternal Postnatal Depression in Obstetrics Care: A Needs Assessment | Williams, Sara; Gimbel, Lauren; Patterson, Melinda | 2025 | Purpose: This needs assessment evaluated the feasibility and usability of implementing a paternal postnatal depression (PPND) screening and referral protocol within an obstetrics clinic at a suburban community hospital in Riverton, Utah. Background: PPND symptoms affect up to 10% of fathers in the U... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Women's Health / Nurse Midwifery, Poster |
| 25 |  | Postpartum Depression Screening at Well-Child Visits: A Quality Improvement Project | Foutz, Katy; Kausler, Ryoko; Cummins, Mollie R. | 2025 | Background: Screening for postpartum depression has traditionally been completed at the six-week postpartum visit. Postpartum depression, however, can occur anytime within the first year after giving birth and, when untreated, can have devastating effects. For this reason, multiple organizations rec... | Graduate Nursing Project, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, Women's Health / Nurse Midwifery, Poster |