Over the course of their program, DNP students work with a mentoring team of CON faculty and project site champions on their chosen quality improvement projects. All students at the end of their DNP translate their evidence-based project into practice. The CON is incredibly proud to watch our nursing leaders shine in their leadership development.

Dwayne Alleyne

Project title: The Effect of Electronic Reminder Systems on Provider Prescription Rates

Why did you choose this subject: I work on a unit that primarily has patients with the diagnoses of stroke/TIA. Adhering to quality care measures are very important on patients with these types of diagnoses.  I found this as an opportunity to make an impact by finding a way to improve prescription rates of statins. This action is an important factor in preventing stroke reoccurrences.

How are you implementing your research into practice: The facility where data was collected at is utilizing the electronic reminder system (discharge power plan) to develop a stroke initiate. We are currently modifying for transition into a new electronic health system, which will be implemented throughout the entire Prisma Health system. I continue to collaborate with my peers and Neurology team to make any necessary adjustments to optimize care for these patients. 

Tracy Pedigo

Project title: Decreasing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Young Females Undergoing Laparoscopic Procedures

Why did you choose this subject: PONV is an issue that affects 30-70% of patients. It is more common in men than women and occurs more commonly in the younger population. My project focused on decreasing the amount of time that a patient goes without drinking clear liquids from after midnight to 3 hours before surgery. 

How are you implementing your research into practice: This change has proven beneficial in decreasing PONV and I am working to have it implemented for all surgical patients at PRISMA Health- Laurens County Hospital.

Morgan Rogers

Project title: Implementation of an Evidence-Based Reminder System to Improve Serum Phosphorus Levels Among Hemodialysis Patients 

Why did you choose this subject: I chose to research this project after working as an Nephrology Nurse Practitioner who specialized in outpatient hemodialysis and observed the detrimental effects of hyperphosphatemia. The research supports that hyperphosphatemia has a direct impact on patient mortality. This project aimed to improve increased levels of serum phosphorus thus decreasing adverse outcomes such as calciphylaxis, bone fractures and cardiovascular calcification. The clinical impact and the adverse patient outcomes that I observed were extremely overwhelming and it was then, that I identified my Quality Improvement Project (QIP).  My goal was not just to complete this Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree but to make a true difference in my patient population. 

How are you implementing  your research into practice: My project yielded promise that evidence-based reminder systems were effective in our patient population. My clinic has partnered with multiple pharmaceutical agencies that have provided an unlimited amount of medication key-chain holders at no cost, making these a free resource to help patients improve compliance with phosphate binder medications. This project and these medication key-chain holders provided an easy way for patients to adhere to their medication regimen when traveling, eating out, or being active. 

Nikita Pete

Project title: Implementing Sex Education into Primary Practice

Why did you choose this subject:  I chose to do this research project after working in primary care and seeing the alarming rates of STIs within the age groups of 18-24 year olds. This group had the highest cases of STIs specifically within the African American community which is the largest population of patients at the family practice in which I work.

How are you implementing your research into practice: I am currently implementing the sex education survey used for my project, into the EMR system and using it during patient visits. I am glad that I chose this topic because I am able to see firsthand the benefits after implementation of this project. 

Melissa Felder

Project title: A Comprehensive Approach to Sepsis in the United States Veteran Population

Why did you choose this subject: I currently work for the Veterans' Health Administration and I chose sepsis as a topic for my DNP project, because research shows that initiatives to standardize and improve guidelines associated with sepsis in the emergency department decreases overall hospital morbidity and mortality rates. The population of interest for my DNP project was the United States military veterans. There are approximately 19.5 million veterans in the United States with 9.2 million veterans being over the age of 65 and older. This population has a substantial risk for sepsis due to age, male gender, chronic diseases and immunosuppression from additional comorbidities. 

How are you implementing your research into practice: The outcomes of this project supported that early sepsis recognition and adherence to sepsis bundles are the cornerstone of therapy. Staff buy-in and a multidisciplinary team dedicated to early sepsis identification initiatives were essential for proper intervention and are necessary for practice transformation. Our health care system’s collaborative team approach could be implemented internationally in other health care facilities to increase sepsis patient recognition and decrease mortality and morbidity rates. 

Nicole Schaefer

Project title: Effects of Data Feedback and Education with Best Practice Alert (BPA) on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Screening 

Why did you choose this subject: I chose this project because of the significant strides in curing HCV during the past 14 years while working as a nurse practitioner in infectious disease and gastroenterology/hepatology.

How are you implementing your research into practice: This project demonstrates that electronic alerts in the electronic medical record are useful to a point.  Ultimately, utilization of electronic alerts rests on the providers.  Hence, provider education is crucial.  Widespread provider education needs to be our focus in order to curtail HCV.