NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH DEPARTMENT
STUDENT PRESENTERS
Organized By Presentation Subject Material
Rhenna Barry '23
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
Safe Injection Sites
Introduction: The implementation of safe injection sites in Health Care Institutions in the United States could improve health outcomes of people who inject drugs. Due to the opioid epidemic, there is a dire need for more resources and reduced stigma within the health care system. The current abstinence model is providing an ineffective approach to this epidemic. Drug abuse is a reality and we have an obligation in healthcare to treat drug abuse as a disease process. While there are some resources for addicts such as needle exchange programs and long-term rehabilitation facilities, it is necessary for the U.S. to bridge the gap between the two. Safe injection sites would allow people to safely inject with clean needles, under the direct supervision of clinical staff, who have been trained to identify overdoses and call EMS if transfer to the hospital is deemed necessary. This model would decrease the number of fatal overdoses due to opioid use and allow a segway into treatment programs. Objective: The purpose of the project is to advocate for the creation of more safe injection sites for people who inject drugs (PWID) and provide a safe space, clean materials, and accepting environment for PWID and reduce complications. Methods: The review of the literature identifies concrete data that describes the effectiveness of safe injection sites in other countries. This data includes information on decreasing opioid related deaths due to the implementation of safe injection facilities and providing resources to people who are currently using. The evidence in the journals supported morality behind harm reduction vs. abstinence models. Results: The results of the literature are in support of safe injection sites because they reduce drug related overdoses, and reduce incidences opioid related complications. Limitations/Discussions/Implications: The implications of this project are to support the creation of safe injection sites in communities where the opioid epidemic has hit the hardest to allow people with the materials and information needed to decrease the rate of opioid related deaths and overdoses as well as the risk of injection related infections and diseases.
Haley MacLean '23
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLY
Safe Injection Sites
Introduction: The implementation of safe injection sites in Health Care Institutions in the United States could improve health outcomes of people who inject drugs. Due to the opioid epidemic, there is a dire need for more resources and reduced stigma within the health care system. The current abstinence model is providing an ineffective approach to this epidemic. Drug abuse is a reality and we have an obligation in healthcare to treat drug abuse as a disease process. While there are some resources for addicts such as needle exchange programs and long-term rehabilitation facilities, it is necessary for the U.S. to bridge the gap between the two. Safe injection sites would allow people to safely inject with clean needles, under the direct supervision of clinical staff, who have been trained to identify overdoses and call EMS if transfer to the hospital is deemed necessary. This model would decrease the number of fatal overdoses due to opioid use and allow a segway into treatment programs. Objective: The purpose of the project is to advocate for the creation of more safe injection sites for people who inject drugs (PWID) and provide a safe space, clean materials, and accepting environment for PWID and reduce complications. Methods: The review of the literature identifies concrete data that describes the effectiveness of safe injection sites in other countries. This data includes information on decreasing opioid related deaths due to the implementation of safe injection facilities and providing resources to people who are currently using. The evidence in the journals supported morality behind harm reduction vs. abstinence models. Results: The results of the literature are in support of safe injection sites because they reduce drug related overdoses, and reduce incidences opioid related complications. Limitations/Discussions/Implications: The implications of this project are to support the creation of safe injection sites in communities where the opioid epidemic has hit the hardest to allow people with the materials and information needed to decrease the rate of opioid related deaths and overdoses as well as the risk of injection related infections and diseases.
Hannah Burns '23
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLY
Stress Reduction in Athletes
One of the biggest precursors to an injury in athletes is stress. Stress is often your body’s reaction to challenges or demands in everyday life. Student-athletes must be able to juggle the stress of academics and the physical demand of their sport. Many times, this stress becomes too much which can lead to an injury. The purpose of this project is to provide student-athletes with education on how to help reduce stress before an injury occurs. Possible ways to reduce stress are the relaxation techniques of mindfulness, deep breathing, and medication. If these techniques do not work, then the athlete should consider receiving counseling. It is also important to educate the athlete on the barriers surrounding mental health and the athletic world. With the education, students will be able to acquire techniques to reduce stress or will be able to find help through professional help. The interventions will help reduce stress in student-athletes which then consequently reduces the risk of injury. It will also hopefully bring awareness of mental health in athletes and help break the stigma surrounding it.
Kaylin Carpenter '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR CHARLEEN DIGGINS, NURSING
In staff nurses, how does mandated workplace violence prevention training compared to no workplace violence prevention training influence nurses' ability to reduce the risk of harm and violence in the hospital setting?
Background: There is little research on the impact of mandated workplace violence prevention training on reduction of violence in the hospital setting. Objective: Assess current research and data on nurses’ preparedness to prevent workplace violence. Methods: Secondary research analysis of current data on the effectiveness of workplace violence prevention training for nurses. An educational reference poster for nurses on Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) techniques will be implemented in the staff room of the behavioral health unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Results: Mandated workplace violence training courses for nurses is effective in the reduction of harm and violence in the hospital setting. Implications: To improve current practice and patient care, workplace violence prevention training should be mandated for nurses.
Fiona Cioch '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLY
Do You Feel Safe at Home? Assessing Nursing Students’ Ability to Care for Patients Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an issue that healthcare providers frequently encounter in their practice. Nursing students do not typically receive extensive training or education on IPV in the clinical setting.. The purpose of this study is to explore nursing student confidence and preparedness on the topic of IPV and potentially identify the areas in which students need further education. There is evidence identifying both nurses and nursing students feel inadequately prepared to encounter IPV in their practice. Nursing students (n=87) at a university in New England were surveyed using an adapted tool consisting of a case study scenario about a woman who is exhibiting signs of IPV followed by 15 questions designed to assess participants’ feelings of preparedness and self-confidence in caring for patients experiencing IPV. Statistically significant relationships were identified with higher preparedness scores and students who encountered IPV at work (p=0.000) and students who had personal experience with IPV (p=0.000). Of the sample, 17% encountered IPV at work and 55% had close personal experience with IPV. By addressing these issues in the student population, future nurses will be prepared to encounter this issue in the clinical setting. Based on the results, future educational activities that promote or simulate clinical exposure to IPV can be implemented to better prepare students and improve their confidence when encountering IPV in the clinical setting.
Fiona Cioch '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR SHERRI FITZGERALD
Beating Burnout: A Multifaceted Approach
Burnout is a significant issue nurses often find themselves facing, and this struggle has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on morale, staffing, and patient care. This is one of the biggest reasons why large numbers of nurses have left the profession over the past two years. The purpose of this project is to review the current literature on the issue of nurse burnout and its implications to discuss a new approach to solving this problem. When tackling this issue, administrators must consider several contributing factors as burnout cannot be solved by only focusing on just one component, such as excessive workload or lack of reward. The literature on this subject will be reviewed using nursing databases such as CINAHL and PubMed to gather information on current factors that have contributed to burnout, common interventions for staff nurses, and how we can better approach this topic using evidence-based practice. This evidence is going to be presented to the leadership team to hopefully decrease staff turnover and inform of methods they can use to improve staff satisfaction and decrease burnout. It is hoped that this project will allow nurses and administrators to adopt a new perspective on taking an all-around approach to this topic.
Molly Desautels '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR SCANLON
Nursing Education: Fecal Incontinence Management Systems
Background: Critical care patients with fecal incontinence management devices in place are at an increased risk of pressure injury. Incontinence, or the lack of voluntary control over defecation, is known to irritate one’s skin due to repeated soiling. Fecal incontinence management devices, such as the Convatec Flexi-Seal FMS device, are used for incontinent patients with liquid or semi-liquid stools to prevent soiling of the patient's skin which often leads to irritation and breakdown. Objective: A needs assessment will be conducted to gather information about nursing care and knowledge of fecal incontinence management systems to plan for nursing education on the topic. Method: Critical care nurses will be surveyed based on their individual knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding experience of device insertion and management. The survey results can be compared to current evidence regarding medical devices and related pressure injuries. This information along with product guidelines will be incorporated into the education recommendation. Results: The survey results, along with educational plan, and content will be presented to the unit educator and leadership team for future educational planning. Discussion: The identification of certain knowledge gaps may allow for a needs-based education to enhance nursing knowledge about fecal incontinence management devices and prevent future pressure injuries. Identified gaps may be solved by conducting a needs assessment prior to education.
Carley Devlin '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLY
Educating Nurses on Delivery of Competent Care for Bariatric Patients
Obesity is a growing concern in this country with more than one-third of the adult population in the United States considered obese. A review of the literature reveals gaps among those who care for bariatric patients, which hinder the proper delivery of care to this population. Among nurses who provide care for this population admitted to the hospital, this gap includes knowledge around the specialized equipment available for these patients. Nurses must be aware of the availability of bariatric equipment as well as how to acquire it for their patients, so that the same safe, high-quality care can be provided to bariatric patients as is provided to their non-bariatric counterparts. To address this gap in practice, an educational intervention was presented to staff on to an adult Medical Surgical unit at a large tertiary care hospital. The education included a Bariatric Patient Checklist which guides nurses in the availability and location specialized bariatric patient supplies. The intervention also included education about the bariatric population, focusing on the negative bias that care providers have toward bariatric patients, that is described in the literature. The goals of this intervention are to increase the knowledge base of the staff receiving this education, as well as to improve the quality of care provided to bariatric patients.
Carley Devlin '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JENNIFER PAPPAS
Assessing the Effectiveness of Sensitivity Modules to Improve Nursing Student Attitudes Towards the Bariatric Patient Population
Obesity is a growing concern in healthcare today. More than one-third of the adult population in the United States is considered obese. In the medical field, anyone who has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30 is considered a bariatric patient. What is the importance of nursing students having access to training in bariatric patient care and education? Due to this alarming statistic, it is important that students training to become registered nurses are taught how to properly care for this population. Specific considerations involving the care, nursing safety, stereotypes associated with obesity in healthcare, as well as understanding the disease itself, are important factors in caring for these patients. As obesity is associated with a variety of health concerns, it is important for healthcare providers to eliminate discrimination and negative attitudes towards the bariatric patient population in order to provide unbiased care. This research study explored bariatric training with the use of sensitivity modules in nursing school. It examined if the modules help to improve student attitudes towards the bariatric population. It also analyzed how students feel about bariatric care before and after sensitivity modules were introduced as a tool to improve their attitudes towards this population. Creating an empathetic healthcare environment regarding the bariatric patient population provides tools for quality, unbiased care.
Madison Gage '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR SUSAN SCOTT, NURSING, PROFESSOR JESSICA HOLDEN, NURSING, PROFESSOR WYATT PAIGE HERMANSEN, ENGLISH
Nursing Prelicensure Employment and its Impact on Transition to Practice
The transition from studying in prelicensure nursing programs to practicing as a registered nurse (RN) is challenging for many new graduates. This project examines current literature about the challenges that new graduates face in their transition to practice, the impact that employment in healthcare has on this transition, and the perspectives of nursing students, current RNs, and nursing educators on this topic. While there is limited research on this subject, the literature available suggests that there are benefits to working in health care outside of school while a nursing student, and that it positively impacts transition into practice as an RN. This proposed qualitative exploration will add to the evidence around the benefits of healthcare employment by prelicensure nurses. It may be a driver to curriculum changes in prelicensure nursing programs to facilitate nursing students’ transition into practice as RNs.
Madison Gage '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR SUSAN SCOTT, NURSING
Impact of SBAR Communication in Maternity Nursing
There has been a steady rise in pregnancy related deaths since 1987. The number of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States stands at an alarming ratio of 17.3 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2017. While the reasons for this increase in deaths remains unclear, ineffective communication in the clinical setting is known to contribute to delays in care and adverse patient outcomes. To improve communication, communication tools such as SBAR (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) have been developed to address issues around communication. The goal of this project is to improve communication between providers and nurses on the Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum Unit at a tertiary care hospital by educating staff on the use of SBAR as an intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality in the maternal population seen at this institution.
Liza Gagnon '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JENNIFER PAPPAS
Effects of COVID-19 on Pediatric Mental Health and Substance Use
Background: During the recovery phase of the pandemic, there has been little research on the increase of mental health and substance use statistics in youth since the start of COVID-19, however, based on scholarly evidence, the population is suffering. Objective: A needs assessment survey will gather data from public school personnel based on their interpretation of students' attitudes and actions in school to help determine if there should be a continuation in the nursing research process. Methods: Public school counselors and nurses completed an anonymous, multiple-choice and short answer survey based on their own perspectives of student mental health and substance use in schools since the start of the COVID pandemic. The questions also regarded their confidence in identifying struggling students, helping them receive help, and their interest in learning more on the subjects. Results: Qualitative data by staff showed that students have had a definitive increase in mental health concerns and a possibility of increased substance use that may be closely related. Staff also report not being as confident in helping these students as they are in identifying the problem. Implications: This data shows that there is a need for further surveillance, directly with the students, and later a plan should be put in place with goals for increased staffing knowledge, as well as prevention and intervention.
Meghan Guimond '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLEY
In low risk labors, how does conducting intermittent auscultation compared to electronic fetal monitoring affect the fetal well-being?
Intro/significance/background: Monitoring fetal well-being during labor and delivery can include continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) and intermittent auscultation (IA). EFM involves two monitors placed on mom’s abdomen which transmits to the computer showing the fetal heart rate (FHR) and the contraction pattern. IA is intermittent monitoring using one of many devices to hear the FHR every certain number of minutes but not continuously. IA is widely encouraged in low-risk labors, yet it is not being utilized as much as evidence recommends Objective: the purpose of this project is to highlight the benefits of IA in reducing unnecessary interventions during labor, yet manage labor ensure fetal safety. Methods: The current evidence on IA will be presented to staff via the education board on the unit in hopes to encourage more usage of this method. Results: Baseline knowledge of IA in the nursing staff will be anecdotally collected and encorporated into the educational design. It is hoped that providing a refresher on the benefits and safety of IA as an intervention will increase usage in low-risk labor management. Discussion: education that encourages open dialog among nursing staff with inter-professional team members should encourage evidence-based practice to become the gold standard on the unit. Ongoing discussion and evaluation will be needed to determine if patients are eligible for consideration of IA and then implement it.
Makayla Hawes '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JAMIE RIVERA
Promoting Safe Sleep for Newborns
Introduction/Significance/Background- In the inpatient pediatric unit, there are a large number of parents of newborns who do not practice safe sleep. There is evidence that safe sleep is important in reducing the number of deaths due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Objective- To provide education to the staff and parents of newborns on the importance of adopting safe sleep measures for their infant. Methods- A pamphlet was developed to educate staff and the parents of newborns upon discharge. In addition to discharge teaching about safe sleep, parents will be able to take this pamphlet home with them to use as a resource. Results- After presenting the information to staff, they will have a better understanding of safe sleep measures and how to educate parents to implement these measures. The parents will be able to use safe sleep methods at home. Limitations/Discussion/Implications- This is an educational tool that can be used to teach parents about the importance of safe sleep. Limitations include not being able to measure whether parents adopt these safe sleep measures and language barriers.
Mackenzie Healey '25
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLEY
A Research Proposal to Study the Impact of Sitting Meditation on Pediatric Patients with Anxiety
Background: Due to increased risks of suicide attempts and ideation as well as increased anxiety and depression levels, the effect of mindfulness practices has been widely studied as a way to increase the efficacy of conventional methods of treatment. Pediatric populations that have been researched include those with elevated anxiety levels and those with normal anxiety levels. Some are from inpatient psychiatric units, while others are from elementary schools. Objective: This research proposal would hope to determine the long term effect of sitting meditation on the average anxiety levels of pediatric patients with anxiety disorders in a psychiatric care unit. Methods: most reported studies measured outcomes through parent-reported and self-reported anxiety levels pre- and post- mindfulness intervention, one study from South Korea utilized the measurement of salivary cortisol levels for comparison before and after meditation as a way to determine the effects of meditation. While subjective anxiety levels are important and simple ways to measure anxiety levels, actual stress hormone levels are physiological, objective ways to measure anxiety that are less influenced by biases. This proposed study would include Both self-reported anxiety levels and salivary cortisol levels will be measured in this study to determine anxiety levels experiments pre- versus post- intervention. Results: Based on current evidence, hypothesized outcomes could be decreased average anxiety levels through self reports as well as decreased average cortisol levels over the course of three weeks of sitting meditation for 30 minutes with instruction every other day. Implications: Meditation can be taught to and used by children with the help of teachers and parents or guardians so that they can implement it into their daily lives. It can be used as a way to improve their overall well being by decreasing their baseline anxiety. This could in turn lessen the symptoms of suicidality as well as depression and improve overall mental health and happiness.
Olivia Kowal '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLY
In OR patients, how does warming them compared to not doing so affect patient outcomes within their time in post op?
In the operating room, it is necessary for the nurse to monitor the temperature of the patient every 30 minutes. This is because they are at a high risk for hypothermia, which is classified as a core body temperature of 95°F or less. Many factors contribute to this including anesthesia inhibiting the shiver response, cold temperatures inside the OR, having less clothing on, and cold antiseptics being placed on the skin. Perioperative hypothermia is very prevalent with incidence rates ranging from 17.0%-88.6% depending on the type of surgery. It is associated with poor patient outcomes and is typically preventable if interventions are done. This project examines current studies and literature about the benefits of warming patients throughout their perioperative stay, the adverse effects of hypothermia, and the different warming methods that are used. The evidence strongly suggests that warming patients with multiple methods leads to the best outcomes. Decreased body temperature puts the patient at risk for increased bleeding, sepsis, prolonged hospitalization, and many other issues. Keeping the patient normothermic decreases the rate of surgical site infections, shortens length of stay, requires less opioid medication, and quicker incisional healing. This evidence is going to be presented to PACU and OR staff at Baystate Noble Hospital to remind them on the importance of warming patients, and the most effective warming methods based upon current evidence.
Cheryl Latona '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR SUE SCOTT
Improving Mobility in Older Adults Using the Greenville Early Mobility Scale
Immobility is a common problem among many hospitalized patients. There is much evidence around immobility leading to significant muscle loss which impacts patient safety as muscle loss leads to the increased risk for patient falls as well as pressure injuries. Educating staff is important to help them understand the hazards of immobility but developing and implementing a mobility plan is key to increasing patient mobility. A review of the literature revealed a number of mobility tools that can be used to address this issue. The purpose of this project is to educate of staff in the use of the Greenville Early Mobility Scale (GEMS), a tool that facilitates the development and implementation of individualized, measurable mobility plans for immobile patients. Participants will be staff working on an adult medical surgical unit of a teaching hospital. Staff will be educated in the use of the GEMS so that they can properly assess patient mobility level and develop and implement plans to increase patient mobility. Through the use of this tool, patient mobility may be increased, which will have a positive impact on patient safety.
Tierney Maguire '23
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLY
Safe Injection Sites
Introduction: The implementation of safe injection sites in Health Care Institutions in the United States could improve health outcomes of people who inject drugs. Due to the opioid epidemic, there is a dire need for more resources and reduced stigma within the health care system. The current abstinence model is providing an ineffective approach to this epidemic. Drug abuse is a reality and we have an obligation in healthcare to treat drug abuse as a disease process. While there are some resources for addicts such as needle exchange programs and long-term rehabilitation facilities, it is necessary for the U.S. to bridge the gap between the two. Safe injection sites would allow people to safely inject with clean needles, under the direct supervision of clinical staff, who have been trained to identify overdoses and call EMS if transfer to the hospital is deemed necessary. This model would decrease the number of fatal overdoses due to opioid use and allow a segway into treatment programs. Objective: The purpose of the project is to advocate for the creation of more safe injection sites for people who inject drugs (PWID) and provide a safe space, clean materials, and accepting environment for PWID and reduce complications. Methods: The review of the literature identifies concrete data that describes the effectiveness of safe injection sites in other countries. This data includes information on decreasing opioid related deaths due to the implementation of safe injection facilities and providing resources to people who are currently using. The evidence in the journals supported morality behind harm reduction vs. abstinence models. Results: The results of the literature are in support of safe injection sites because they reduce drug related overdoses, and reduce incidences opioid related complications. Limitations/Discussions/Implications: The implications of this project are to support the creation of safe injection sites in communities where the opioid epidemic has hit the hardest to allow people with the materials and information needed to decrease the rate of opioid related deaths and overdoses as well as the risk of injection related infections and diseases.
Abigail Marshall '23
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLY
Safe Injection Sites
Introduction: The implementation of safe injection sites in Health Care Institutions in the United States could improve health outcomes of people who inject drugs. Due to the opioid epidemic, there is a dire need for more resources and reduced stigma within the health care system. The current abstinence model is providing an ineffective approach to this epidemic. Drug abuse is a reality and we have an obligation in healthcare to treat drug abuse as a disease process. While there are some resources for addicts such as needle exchange programs and long-term rehabilitation facilities, it is necessary for the U.S. to bridge the gap between the two. Safe injection sites would allow people to safely inject with clean needles, under the direct supervision of clinical staff, who have been trained to identify overdoses and call EMS if transfer to the hospital is deemed necessary. This model would decrease the number of fatal overdoses due to opioid use and allow a segway into treatment programs. Objective: The purpose of the project is to advocate for the creation of more safe injection sites for people who inject drugs (PWID) and provide a safe space, clean materials, and accepting environment for PWID and reduce complications. Methods: The review of the literature identifies concrete data that describes the effectiveness of safe injection sites in other countries. This data includes information on decreasing opioid related deaths due to the implementation of safe injection facilities and providing resources to people who are currently using. The evidence in the journals supported morality behind harm reduction vs. abstinence models. Results: The results of the literature are in support of safe injection sites because they reduce drug related overdoses, and reduce incidences opioid related complications. Limitations/Discussions/Implications: The implications of this project are to support the creation of safe injection sites in communities where the opioid epidemic has hit the hardest to allow people with the materials and information needed to decrease the rate of opioid related deaths and overdoses as well as the risk of injection related infections and diseases.
Erin Phelan '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JAMIE RIVERA
Oral cryotherapy in preventing oral mucositis in chemotherapy patients
Oral mucositis is a common side effect of chemotherapy, an antineoplastic treatment. Oral mucositis is the opening of areas of epithelium in the mouth, creating inflamed sores and causing pain as well as the potential to develop bacteremia and other life threatening complications in this vulnerable population. Oral cryotherapy is the use of cold application in the mouth as a way to constrict the blood vessels there which in turn reduces the chemotherapeutic agent reaching the tissue there. A literature review was conducted to determine the efficacy of oral cryotherapy in preventing oral mucositis in chemotherapy patients and results and implications were presented to the nursing staff on the floor. This search showed that oral cryotherapy may reduce the incidence or severity of oral mucositis in patients receiving chemotherapy. The reduction in oral mucositis related to oral cryotherapy could decrease pain and discomfort as well as lead to better healthcare outcomes.
Kathleen Ryan '23
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLY
Do nurses know enough about autism?
Autism is one of the most prevalent neuro-cognitive disorders; being diagnosed in 1 in 59 children. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals do not receive enough education surrounding how to provide supportive care to patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, specifically regarding overstimulation in an inpatient setting. The literature shows that nurses self-rate their confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms, treatment options, and resources for those with ASD. It is necessary to implement staff training, improved communication, and improvements to sensory barriers, to improve outcomes and quality care for patients with ASD. Overstimulation can arise from scent, sounds, touch, sight, etc. Educating nurses on the techniques and treatment options available to decrease this overstimulation will allow them to work better with their patients and provide a more healing environment. The proposed educational plan would be distributed to nurses in high-traffic areas such as the emergency department and inpatient settings that are often a medium for bright lights, loud noises, and a lack of familiarity. Evidence supports that higher confidence levels and understanding of the disorder are obtained with more experience and education; thus improving educational opportunities on this topic is necessary.
Sarah Tanner '23
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JOAN KUHNLY
Considering Breast Reduction Surgery and Still Want To Breastfeed?
Breast reduction surgery rates are increasing rapidly in women who have not yet had children. Many of these women still want to breastfeed their future children. A simple google search will tell these women that 50% of women cannot breastfeed after breast reduction surgery. This might be deterring women from getting the surgery they desire. As this shift occurs it begs the question are women who have had breast reduction surgery compared to those that don't less able to exclusively breastfeed their child? A literature search was conducted on the topic. The research shows that women who have had breast reduction surgery are at risk for not being able to exclusively breast feed their children if they do not have education about how to talk their surgeons about their breastfeeding goals. Women seeking breast reduction surgery should be made aware of this and should be educated on questions to ask their surgeons. The purpose of this project is to educate women on questions to ask their surgeons and the importance of informing the medical staff that they still want to breastfeed after surgery.
Tatum Strong '22
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR FINN SCOTT
Pharmacological Pain Management in Infants Undergoing Painful Procedures
Infant studies show that infants are not routinely receiving pain control for certain procedures such as circumcisions. A review of evidence and current literature poses the fact that infants feel pain, perhaps even more so than adults, but protocols do not include the requirement of pain control postoperatively, resulting in continuous discomfort and agony of the infant. Current practices are inconsistent with pain medication prescriptions in infants that have undergone distressing procedures. Many procedure protocols involve the requirement of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic prescriptions intraoperatively, but not postoperatively. An educational activity was developed where there will be a discussion with key stakeholders in hope to change protocols to require pain management interventions, specifically pharmacological methods, following painful procedures in infants. A synthesis of evidence will be presented along with project status and completion regarding the promotion of more effective pain management techniques.