BHSU Hosts Second Annual DNP Scholarship Research Day, Showcasing Innovative Clinical Projects

The nursing division at Baptist Health Sciences University proudly hosted the second Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scholarship research day on Nov. 19, 2024. The DNP degree represents a culmination of scholarly work, and the DNP project enables research and evidence to be put into practice.

Attendees were treated to an impressive showcase of the December 2024 DNP graduates' year-long clinical projects. Over the course of these projects, eight students identified clinical practice problems and used evidence-based research to determine tests of change that could improve clinical outcomes. Students were guided by two DNP faculty members, a chair, and a team member, all of whom used data to drive decision-making.

The event marked the second DNP research day at BHSU and celebrated the fifth DNP graduating cohort since the program's inception in 2018. Organizers plan to hold this event annually and look forward to the achievements of future graduates.

Research Topics:

• "Improving Skin Examinations in Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Project"
  Leslie Graham, RN, BSN
  Chair: Brandi Lambert, Ph.D.
• "Using Turn Teams to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries in Adult Cardiopulmonary Transplant Unit Patients"
  Stacey Bonham-Palas, RN, BSN
  Chair: Renee Parker, Ph.D.
• "Hemoglobin A1c Analyses in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Who Use CGMs"
  Alana Altomare, RN, BSN
  Chair: Marcy Purnell, Ph.D.
• "Preventing Delirium in Adult Cardiovascular ICU Patients Using Bundled Interventions to Reduce Length of Stay"
  Joshua Choate, RN, BSN
  Chair: Renee Parker, Ph.D.
• "Hyperlipidemia Management Guideline Adherence Within the Primary Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Project"
  Cassidy Thetford, RN, BSN
  Chair: Brandi Lambert, Ph.D.
• "Identifying Pathogens Associated with CLABSI: A Quality Improvement Project"
  Lisa Hall, APRN, FNP-BC
  Chair: Brett Pickens, Ph.D.
• "Staff Confidence Analyses with Blood Pressure Management in a Hemodialysis Clinic"
  Andrea Richmond, RN, BSN
  Chair: Marcy Purnell, Ph.D.
• "Optimizing Antibiotic Use in Open Fracture Patients with Elevated Glucose: Integrating Procalcitonin as a Stewardship Tool"
  Stephen McDaniel, RN, BSN
  Chair: Marcy Purnell, Ph.D.