Shepherd University Doctor of Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing students recently presented research addressing a number of healthcare challenges such as patient access, workforce sustainability, and more.
On Tuesday, April 14 in Shepherd University’s Erma Ora Byrd Hall auditorium, the annual Doctor of Nursing Practice Quality Improvement Projects and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Poster Presentation took place. The university’s School of Nursing students showcased their efforts to create a stronger healthcare workforce in the area with their clinical innovation and applied research.
At the event, student-led and evidence-based projects were presented which were focused on means of improving healthcare delivery systems, clinical outcomes, and patient care. Many of the research projects focused on the trials regional and rural providers face, such as workforce sustainability, mental health treatment, provider communication, and access to care.
The Dean of Shepherd University’s College of STEM and Nursing, Dr. Richard Thompson, kicked the program off. He gave a talk on why it is so pivotal to prepare nurses to meet the ever changing needs of the region’s healthcare systems.
In an article posted on Shepherd University’s website, Dr. Thompson was quoted as saying, “These projects demonstrate how our students are directly contributing to solutions that matter to healthcare providers today. From improving clinical protocols to addressing workforce challenges, this work reflects the kind of outcomes-focused training that will strengthen healthcare in our region.”
Doctor of Nursing Practice students also noted in the projects they shared with the audience a range of quality improvement initiatives. A number of students worked on increasing access to medical care to populations who have seen less care over the years. One such research project looked at how a mobile behavioral health treatment program in rural Maryland functioned, showing that patient engagement not only increased but also improved access to mental health services in that area.
Another set of projects looked at improving workforce sustainability and provider well-being. Some research looked at the benefits of micro-meditation strategies and mindfulness-based interventions to help improve resilience and reduce the burnout rates of nurse practitioners working in stressful clinical environments.
Other projects looked at a range of topics such as promoting appropriate antibiotic use to reduce unnecessary prescribing among pediatric patients, introducing palliative care screening protocols to support earlier intervention and more coordinated care, developing a first-time seizure care pathway to improve provider confidence and patient outcomes in pediatric settings, and implementing strategies to reduce physical restraint use in intubated patients in intensive care units.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing seniors also shared their research which looked at a variety of topics like emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, ethical decision-making, nurse-patient relationships, and interprofessional collaboration.
The director of Shepherd University’s School of Nursing, Dr. Mary Hancock, said about the importance of the work of those students, and how it will impact the healthcare field more broadly, “We are incredibly proud of our students and the level of scholarship they bring to their work. These projects reflect the strength of our program and our commitment to preparing highly educated, practice-ready nurses. Shepherd nursing graduates are ready to step into the workforce and make an immediate impact in patient care and community health.”
The program finished with the recognition of both bachelor and doctor graduates. Many of those who graduated will go on to work in clinics and hospitals in or near West Virginia.
More information about Shepherd University’s School of Nursing can be found on its webpage, and more information about all Shepherd University’s offerings can be found at the school’s website.